Johnson says shutdown likely over by Tuesday amid ongoing DHS standoff

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on Sunday that he expects the partial government shutdown to be resolved by Tuesday. This comes as negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security remain stalled, with increasing political fallout over immigration enforcement.

In an appearance on 'Meet the Press', the Louisiana Republican mentioned that House Republicans are ready to move forward primarily without Democratic support to reopen the government. He acknowledged that the bill for the Department of Homeland Security will likely be set aside for separate negotiations.

“I’m confident we’ll get it done at least by Tuesday,” Johnson said, citing logistical challenges in bringing members back to Washington. 

One-vote margin, zero room for error

When pressed about whether Republicans have enough votes to proceed independently, Johnson stated that they do, despite having only a one-seat majority.

“I have a one-vote margin for the rest of 2026,” he said. “But Republicans are going to do the responsible thing and fund the government.”

Johnson accused Democrats of “playing games” with the potential government shutdown and cautioned that ongoing delays threaten essential services, including TSA operations, FEMA disaster response and Coast Guard activity during the current winter storms.

The funding deadlock revolves around Democratic demands for reforms at DHS and ICE following the deaths of two Americans during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis in January.

Democrats are advocating for limits on roving patrols, restrictions on agents wearing face coverings, the requirement for mandatory body cameras and stricter judicial warrant requirements.

Johnson said some of those proposals are reasonable and already under consideration, but he defended ICE agents’ use of masks, arguing they are essential for the protection of officers and their families.

“They’ve been doxed. In some cases, local officials have effectively put a price on their heads,” he said.

While Johnson acknowledged President Trump’s admission that ICE has made mistakes, he blamed state and local officials in Minnesota for escalating tensions by encouraging resistance to federal enforcement efforts.

Johnson says Trump backing DHS recalibration

Johnson stated that Trump has initiated a “recalibration” of ICE operations and appointed veteran enforcement official Tom Homan to oversee changes. Homan has expressed openness to implementing body cameras and adjustments to patrol tactics.

Johnson mentioned that he personally witnessed discussions between Trump, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and Homan that resulted in agreement on most of the proposed conditions. However, they did not reach a consensus on expanded warrant requirements, which Johnson deemed unnecessary bureaucracy.

“We’ll be deep in the weeds over the next two weeks,” he said. “That requires good faith from both sides.”

Full confidence in Noem despite criticism

When asked whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should step aside after labeling one of the Minneapolis victims a “domestic t*****ist” before an investigation was complete, Johnson said he maintains full confidence in her leadership.

“She inherited a crushing assignment,” Johnson said, pointing to what he described as a dismantled agency following the Biden administration’s border policies.

While he acknowledged the tragedy of the Minneapolis shooting, Johnson suggested that earlier intervention from law enforcement could have potentially prevented the incident.

Epstein files, White House ties and election claims

Johnson also commented on the Justice Department’s release of additional Jeffrey Epstein files, stating that the DOJ is following federal law while balancing transparency and the need for transparency with the protection of victims.

He dismissed concerns about President Trump’s name appearing in the documents, emphasizing that Trump has long been upfront about his efforts to sever ties with Epstein.

Responding to criticism from former Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, Johnson rejected claims that he operates under White House orders, saying coordination between Congress and the president reflects unified Republican governance, not subservience.

During the elections, Johnson defended Trump’s continued focus on the 2020 election, suggesting that it was an attempt to emphasize election integrity rather than to contest the results of the past. 

He expressed his support for ongoing investigations into election practices in Georgia, but said he noted that he lacked specific information regarding the involvement of intelligence officials in recent raids.

Johnson said he is confident the 2026 midterm elections will be free and fair, citing new legislation and heightened oversight efforts.