Speaker Johnson: ‘Very Optimistic’ That Congress Can Prevent Government Shutdown

Speaker Mike Johnson relayed the point that America’s needs must come first, namely dealing with the crisis at the southern border.

House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks to the press after meeting with President Joe Biden and other congressional leaders at the White House in Washington on Feb. 27, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other congressional leaders expressed optimism that lawmakers would avert a government shutdown before a Friday deadline after a Feb. 27 meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House.

“It was frank and honest,” said Mr. Johnson, who took part in a meeting that also included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Mr. Johnson also talked with the president one-on-one in the Oval Office.