Speaker Mike Johnson says the House could vote on Wednesday to reopen government

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson told Republican lawmakers on Monday, November 10, that the House could vote as early as Wednesday on the Senate’s deal to reopen the federal government, depending on how quickly the upper chamber completes its work.

In a morning conference call, Johnson outlined a potential timetable for the week’s schedule, saying that he hoped to bring the Senate’s government funding package to the floor by midweek.

The members were urged to return to Washington as soon as possible amid ongoing air travel delays.

Hakeem Jeffries vows Democrats will 'fight' to address health care

Before the vote, Johnson said that he planned to swear in Rep-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election on September 23.

Following her swearing-in, the House would vote on a rule for the Senate deal, proceed to final passage, and then adjourn once again, Johnson told members.

While the vote is expected to be tight, leadership aides are conducting whip counts to secure support. Johnson expressed confidence that the chamber would pass the Senate’s package, which would temporarily reopen the government after weeks of shutdown chaos.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that the Democrats would continue pushing to address health care costs as part of the ongoing negotiations over the government spending bill.

“What we’re going to continue to do as House Democrats, partnered with our allies throughout America, is to wage the fight,” Jeffries told reporters, adding that Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans in advancing the measure owe their constituents an explanation.

He also pointed to Republican lawmakers who have recently voiced support for extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, saying, “Now is their chance.”

Hakeem Jeffries backs Chuck Schumer amid internal frustration

Jeffries stood by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, after some House Democrats called for new leadership following Sunday’s Senate vote. When asked whether Schumer should keep his job, Jeffries said, “Yes and yes.”

“Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people,” Jeffries said.

“I’m not going to explain what a handful of Senate Democrats have decided to do, that’s their explanation to offer to the American people,” he added.

House Democrats plan to meet as a caucus Monday, where Rep Rosa DeLauro, the top Democratic appropriator, is expected to brief members on the details of the funding bill before it heads to a vote later this week.

On Sunday, the US Senate took a major step toward ending its longest-ever government shutdown when members of the Senate Democratic Caucus voted with Republicans to advance a funding deal.

The move marked a break from party leadership, which opposed the measure.

Eight Democratic senators crossed party lines to vote for advancing the deal to reopen the federal government. The group’s decision seemingly reflected growing impatience with the shutdown’s toll on federal workers and local economies.