Mike Johnson’s “Closed House” Tactics Spark GOP Backlash and Shutdown Fallout

 House Speaker Mike Johnson is under mounting criticism — not just from Democrats but from within his own party — for keeping the House of Representatives largely closed in recent months. What began as a tactical move to shift blame for the ongoing government shutdown is quickly becoming a political liability.

Johnson’s “Stay Home” Strategy

Since the House passed a short-term funding bill on September 19, Johnson (R-La.) and Republican leaders have kept lawmakers out of Washington, insisting it’s now up to Senate Democrats to act. But the prolonged recess has drawn backlash for paralyzing legislative work and blocking key actions — including the swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), whose vote could push forward a discharge petition to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

This self-imposed inactivity, however, didn’t start last month. According to Punchbowl News reporters Jake Sherman and John Bresnahan, the House has been in session just 20 days since July 3 — out of more than 100 calendar days. That’s less than 80 working days projected for the year, a record low not seen since World War II.

GOP Lawmakers Are Losing Patience

Even some of Johnson’s own colleagues are questioning the approach. A growing number of Republicans — from Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) — have voiced frustration at the House being effectively “AWOL.”

As MSNBC’s Mychael Schnell noted, such dissent is significant for a caucus that has been almost entirely aligned with both Johnson and President Donald Trump. Their criticisms reflect a deeper anxiety about the optics of inaction while the government remains shuttered.

A “Do Nothing” Congress — Worse Than 1948

The situation is drawing comparisons to the infamous “Do Nothing Congress” of 1948, which met for 109 days that year. By contrast, the current 119th Congress appears on track to meet for even fewer. But unlike 1948, this Congress can’t use election-year campaigning or opposition to a sitting president as excuses.

Political analysts warn that the lack of legislative productivity — especially with a Republican president, Senate, and House — risks reinforcing a narrative of dysfunction.

Mixed Messaging on the Shutdown

Johnson’s communications strategy hasn’t helped. While Republicans blame Democrats for prolonging the shutdown, the White House has alternated between condemning GOP inaction and quietly using the situation to justify major federal staffing cuts.

Meanwhile, Democrats appear to be winning the messaging battle. The Washington Post recently reported that the Democratic call to expand Obamacare as part of reopening negotiations is resonating with voters — even among some Republicans.

Looming Health Care Crisis

One of the most urgent issues sidelined by the House’s closure is the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Johnson recently downplayed concerns, saying the matter can wait until December 31. But health policy experts disagree.

“Open enrollment begins November 1,” explained Miranda Yaver of the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. “If Congress doesn’t act before then, insurers will already have filed higher premium rates — meaning Americans could face steep increases or drop coverage altogether.”

In short, a last-minute December fix would come far too late for millions of people deciding their health insurance options this fall.

Epstein Files Delay Fuels Suspicion

The delay in swearing in Rep. Grijalva has also sparked controversy, as her absence prevents Democrats from securing the 218th signature needed to force a vote on releasing the Epstein investigation files. Critics argue Johnson’s stalling only fuels suspicion that both the White House and GOP leaders are trying to keep those files buried.

Eventually, whether for health care, funding, or transparency, the House will have to reconvene — and the longer Johnson waits, the more political damage mounts.

A Warning from History

In 1948, President Harry Truman successfully ran against a gridlocked Congress and won reelection. Johnson’s team would be wise to remember that precedent.

Keeping the House closed might delay tough decisions, but it can’t hide them forever. From health care costs to government transparency, Americans expect their representatives to show up — not stay home.