WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson is preparing to bring lawmakers back into session after a long absence due to the government shutdown, facing significant legislative demands from representatives who have been sidelined for weeks. Hundreds of members are set to return to Washington on Wednesday, eager to address a backlog of proposals and frustrations that have accumulated during the nearly eight-week break initiated by Johnson's decision to shutter the House. The first action on the agenda will be a vote to reopen the government, followed by a host of unfinished business that will test Johnson's leadership, including the swearing-in of Arizona’s Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva and the handling of high-profile issues like the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents.
Matthew Green, a political science professor, noted that Johnson’s decision to keep the House closed is unprecedented in recent decades, significantly impacting the institution's functioning. Johnson has faced criticism for allowing the House to become unusually deferential to the executive branch, reflecting a more substantial shift in the balance of power. As lawmakers prepare to return, there will be pressure to navigate the legislative agenda effectively, particularly against a backdrop of discontent over what many call an extended congressional vacation. Johnson's leadership style has garnered mixed reviews, with some praising his ability to maintain party unity, while others express concern over the legislative branch's detachment from its responsibilities. As Republicans gear up for a critical vote, the dynamics within the House will be under scrutiny, especially with a notable divide over funding and health care issues that are expected to surface immediately.
Matthew Green, a political science professor, noted that Johnson’s decision to keep the House closed is unprecedented in recent decades, significantly impacting the institution's functioning. Johnson has faced criticism for allowing the House to become unusually deferential to the executive branch, reflecting a more substantial shift in the balance of power. As lawmakers prepare to return, there will be pressure to navigate the legislative agenda effectively, particularly against a backdrop of discontent over what many call an extended congressional vacation. Johnson's leadership style has garnered mixed reviews, with some praising his ability to maintain party unity, while others express concern over the legislative branch's detachment from its responsibilities. As Republicans gear up for a critical vote, the dynamics within the House will be under scrutiny, especially with a notable divide over funding and health care issues that are expected to surface immediately.
