Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley has slammed House Speaker Mike Johnson for keeping Congress shuttered amid an ongoing government shutdown, arguing that lawmakers should be working to resolve the crisis. This public rebuke highlights internal Republican tensions as the shutdown drags on.
Kiley, a first-term representative from California, made his comments in an interview with CNN’s Elex Michaelson, where he expressed frustration with Johnson’s decision to keep the House out of session. He emphasized that Congress has a duty to address the funding impasse and should not be absent during such a critical time, calling the move unjustifiable and counterproductive.
Specifically, Kiley questioned the rationale behind closing Congress, stating that there is no valid reason for lawmakers to be away when essential government services are halted. He pointed out that the shutdown affects millions of Americans, from federal employees to citizens relying on public services, and argued that elected officials must be in Washington actively negotiating a solution to end the crisis.
The government shutdown began in early October 2025 after Congress failed to pass a necessary funding bill, leading to the furlough of hundreds of thousands of federal workers and the suspension of various non-essential services. Key disputes revolve around spending levels, policy riders, and demands from conservative factions for deeper budget cuts, creating a stalemate that has proven difficult to break.
Speaker Mike Johnson, facing intense pressure from both moderate and hardline Republicans, has chosen to keep the House closed as a strategy to avoid internal conflicts and potential votes that could undermine his leadership. This approach is intended to manage party divisions but has drawn widespread criticism for effectively prolonging the shutdown and avoiding legislative responsibilities.
Other Republicans have begun to echo Kiley’s concerns, with some members publicly calling for the House to reconvene immediately to address the funding issue. Democrats, on the other hand, have capitalized on the internal GOP strife, blaming Republican infighting for the shutdown’s continuation and accusing the party of irresponsible governance.
The ongoing closure has tangible consequences, including delayed paychecks for government employees, disruptions in services such as national parks, visa processing, and regulatory oversight, and increased uncertainty for businesses that depend on federal contracts. Public frustration is mounting as the shutdown enters its third week, with polls showing declining approval ratings for Congress.
Politically, Johnson’s handling of the situation risks weakening his speakership, as dissent within his party grows. Kiley’s outspoken criticism reflects broader dissatisfaction among some Republicans who believe that the shutdown strategy is counterproductive and damages the party’s credibility with voters.
Looking ahead, the Senate is working on passing stopgap measures to fund the government, but without concurrent action from the House, the shutdown may persist. Analysts suggest that Johnson may be forced to recall the House soon to prevent further electoral fallout and to seek a bipartisan compromise that could include short-term funding or a broader deal.