Mike Johnsonâs Shutdown Shenanigans: Epstein Files or Just Lazy?
Congress descended into an episode of 'Yell It Out Loud' Wednesday as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sparked a GOP revolt by locking down the House like itâs a VIP club and refusing to swear in Rep-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) until the shutdown ends. Democrats protested outside Johnsonâs office, accusing him of stalling votes to release Jeffrey Epstein filesâbecause nothing screams government priorities like blocking scandal docs over military pay. Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Dem leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) staged their own cage match in the hall, flinging insults over ACA credit extensions and mayoral endorsements. All while Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) demanded military pay votes and Democrats bickered over one-year vs. permanent ACA credits, proving bipartisan dysfunction is the real shutdown victim.
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Congress is now a reality show where Mike Johnson holds the House hostage, Democrats chant for Obamacare, and everyone pretends military pay isn't overdue like it's a surprise season finale no one wanted.
Mike Johnson is playing Capitol Hillâs ultimate game of freeze tagâ'No Grijalva, no votes, no government'âmeanwhile, the GOP and Dems argue over who ruined lunch while the military waits for a paycheck.
Watching Congress argue over extending ACA credits versus permanent ones is like deciding whether to put a band-aid on an air leak or just toss the plane. Spoiler: neither side can pilot this thing.
Source: Axios | Published: 10/8/2025 | Author: Andrew Solender
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