House Republicans Return to Capitol Hill Amid Shutdown Drama

House Republicans Return to Capitol Hill Amid Shutdown Drama

House Republicans are returning to Washington, D.C., despite Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to keep his conference at home during the ongoing shutdown. The House extended its recess to pressure Senate Democrats to accept a short-term funding bill passed in September. Some Republicans are questioning the optics of lawmakers collecting paychecks while away, especially as House Democrats have stayed in Washington to counter-message the shutdown. Rep. Kevin Kiley and other members have returned to Capitol Hill despite the speaker's directive.

Rep. Tim Burchett has been active on Capitol Hill during the shutdown, meeting with constituents and working on his hobby of making skateboards. Rep. Dan Newhouse responded to Sen. Patty Murray's claim that he was on vacation by stating he was in D.C. and available to meet. Rep. Mike Lawler confronted House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about extending premium Obamacare subsidies, a key demand in the shutdown fight.

Back in their districts, Republicans like Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Rep. Lauren Boebert, and Rep. Pat Harrigan have been messaging about the shutdown through press conferences and virtual town hall meetings. Speaker Johnson and his leadership team have stayed in Washington, holding press conferences and becoming part of the drama surrounding the shutdown. Johnson has promised to give a 48-hour notice for lawmakers to return once the impasse is resolved.

While House Republicans have been away, House Democrats have been urged to stay in Washington to show they are "ready to work" and hold press conferences. However, some House Democrats may be asked to stay in their districts next week to emphasize their shutdown demands. The Senate Democrats have put forth their own plan to reopen the government alongside healthcare demands, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer aiming to keep his caucus in line to meet Democratic demands.