Speaker Johnson urges House Members to return immediately for shutdown vote amid travel delays
House Speaker Mike Johnson called members back to Washington "right now" for a vote on the funding deal, shortening the notice period to 36 hours as air travel disruptions threaten attendance.
November 10, 2025 - 03:12 PM ET • 2 min read
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday urged lawmakers to begin returning to the Capitol "right now" in anticipation of a vote to end the government shutdown, following a key procedural vote in the Senate late Sunday.
Speaker Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters that the House would vote on the compromise funding package "as soon as possible" after the Senate holds its final vote. The deal, which would fund the government until January 30, is expected to pass the Senate shortly, potentially bringing an end to the longest government shutdown in United States history.
Johnson announced a change in the required notice period for members to return, shortening it from 48 hours to 36 hours once the Senate concludes its action. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We have to do this as quickly as possible."
The push for a swift vote comes after the Senate voted 60-40 late Sunday evening to advance the legislation, breaking a 40-day stalemate. Johnson expressed optimism, stating that the "nightmare is finally coming to an end." He applauded the seven Senate Democrats and one independent senator who voted with Republicans to move the legislation forward. The House has been out of session since mid-September, when it passed an earlier version of a funding bill.
The rapid timeline faces significant logistical hurdles due to widespread air travel delays and cancellations across the U.S. These disruptions threaten to prevent some lawmakers from reaching Washington in time for the vote, which could complicate the passage of the funding bill.
The potential for absences is critical given the narrow margins in the House. If all members are present and voting, House Republicans can afford to lose only two votes. Any absences resulting from the travel disruptions could muddle the political math and potentially prolong the shutdown fight.
The compromise legislation was advanced in the Senate after moderate Democrats agreed to move forward without a guaranteed extension of certain health care subsidies, a key sticking point that had previously angered many in their caucus. Two Republicans had voted against the original version of the bill when it cleared the House in September.