WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) has a pointed message for House Speaker Mike Johnson: it’s time for Congress to stop posturing and reopen the government.
Speaking in a preview clip from an upcoming C-SPAN “Ceasefire” interview hosted by Dasha Burns, Curtis said bluntly, “Look, Speaker Johnson, I love you, I love what you’ve done — but it’s time to get back to work.”
The full interview is set to air Friday at 5 p.m. MT and again on Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. MT.
A Shutdown Unlike Any Other
Curtis’ remarks come amid what could become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, paralyzing agencies, delaying paychecks for federal workers, and threatening key programs such as SNAP and Affordable Care Act subsidies.
“This is the strangest shutdown ever,” Curtis told Burns. “When I was in the House, I sat in my office every day while staff went unpaid. That brings motivation. You want to fix it. But now? The House isn’t even working.”
Curtis emphasized that while he admires Speaker Johnson’s leadership, he believes the focus must return to the legislative process. “If it were up to me, we’d be here, pounding it out, finding consensus, opening up the government, and doing exactly what the American people expect us to do.”
Balancing the Blame
When asked whether President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, should play a more active role in ending the stalemate, Curtis offered a nuanced response.
“Yes and no,” he said. “The president doesn’t have a vote. We talk about taking power back from the executive branch — and then we turn around and wait for the executive branch to fix our problems. We can do this ourselves.”
Curtis noted that Congress could resolve the impasse if seven Senate Democrats crossed the aisle to support a Republican-backed continuing resolution already passed by the House.
However, Democrats have refused to sign on unless the GOP agrees to extend enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act — credits that help millions of Americans, including thousands in Utah, afford their health insurance.
Republicans argue that health care funding should be debated separately, after passing a short-term funding measure to reopen the government.
Frustration Mounts on Capitol Hill
The impasse has left lawmakers and citizens alike increasingly frustrated. Programs for low-income families, tribal nations, and federal workers are feeling the strain, with mounting calls from both sides to find a bipartisan solution.
Curtis’ comments reflect growing unease within his own party about the optics of congressional gridlock. “We can’t be the party of responsibility,” he said, “if we’re not showing up to do our jobs.”
What Comes Next
As the shutdown drags on, negotiations between Senate Democrats and House Republicans remain stalled. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pushed for a compromise package, but so far, no deal has emerged.
With public approval of Congress slipping and federal workers bracing for another missed paycheck, Curtis’ remarks may signal a wider Republican push to pressure Speaker Johnson to bring lawmakers back into session — and back to governing.
