On Day 21 of the federal government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., continued to call out Senate Democrats for prioritizing political survival over the needs of the American people.
The shutdown, now approaching its third week, began after Senate Democrats blocked a House Republican bill that would have kept the government open.
Two Democrats—Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada—broke ranks alongside Independent Sen. Angus King to vote in favor of funding.
Johnson pointed to newly reported remarks from anonymous Democratic insiders revealing deep fear within their ranks. One senator told The Hill, “People are going to get hammered if they vote for the House-passed bill to reopen the government.”
Another insider likened the situation to the French Revolution, stating there would be enough Democratic support to reopen the government “if people were not terrified of getting the guillotine.”
Johnson emphasized that this fear of their far-left base is what continues to prevent the Senate from ending the shutdown.
“Do not be distracted,” Johnson told reporters during a press conference on October 21. “The American people would have an open government if Democrats were not terrified of their radical base.”
The shutdown has led to immediate and severe consequences for Americans across the country. Federal employees, including members of the military, continue to work without pay, while thousands of other federal workers have been furloughed entirely.
Air travel has been disrupted nationwide. NBC News reported that 53% of flight delays are now attributed to air traffic control staffing shortages, compared to the usual 5%. This has left travelers facing significant disruptions.
In Colorado, food banks are experiencing a growing crisis, as Sky High News detailed. Yet Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have voted repeatedly to keep the government closed, leaving families in need without support.
Virginia faces similar struggles. Veterans’ medical care is being disrupted due to the shutdown. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have repeatedly voted to maintain the closure, forcing delays in vital health services.
Hawaii seniors relying on telehealth services have also been impacted. Senators Brian Shatz and Mazie Hirono have continued voting to block reopening, leaving vulnerable populations without essential care.
California sees widespread consequences as well. ABC7 News reported that Alameda food banks are stepping in to support TSA workers and their families. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff have repeatedly voted to prolong the shutdown, directly affecting working families.
In Illinois, federal courts have reduced operations due to lack of funding, according to WIFR. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth have consistently voted to maintain the closure, further delaying justice for citizens.
Johnson framed these actions as evidence that Democrats have abandoned principle for politics. “Democrats used to care about the harm shutdowns caused hardworking Americans,” he said. “Now it’s all about politics, not principle.”
The speaker also reiterated criticisms of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., accusing him of initiating the shutdown for partisan advantage. Johnson suggested Schumer is motivated by fear of changing political winds in New York, including the potential election of a Marxist mayor in New York City.
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has continued its bipartisan investigation into the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting stark contrasts with the Democrats’ inaction on key issues. Johnson and Oversight Chairman James Comer emphasized the extensive document release, which now includes 43,000 pages of DOJ and Epstein Estate records.
The committee has also subpoenaed and received deposition transcripts from key figures, including former Attorney General Bill Barr and former Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. These records detail financial logs, travel records, and personal schedules of Epstein, shedding light on previously concealed activity.
Johnson criticized Democrats for suddenly politicizing the Epstein files despite ignoring them for four years under the Biden administration. He described their outrage as opportunistic rather than principled.
“Some Democrats, and even a few Republicans, have tried to make this a political issue rather than focus on justice for the victims,” Johnson said. “That is shameful.”
Dean Withers, the 21-year-old political commentator and livestreamer, has captured the internet’s attention once again — this time for his raw and heartfelt reaction to the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Known for his articulate debates with conservatives on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, Withers rose to prominence in 2023.
The Grand Junction, Colorado native has since built a massive following: over 4.3 million TikTok fans, 346,000 YouTube subscribers, and nearly 18 million views on his videos. Many remember him for viral clips such as “Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?” which alone has racked up 17 million views.
Once raised in a conservative household, Withers underwent a dramatic ideological shift after engaging in debates with left-leaning individuals and conducting his own research.
In the wake of Kirk’s death on September 10, 2025, Withers posted a deeply emotional TikTok video that has since gone viral, amassing over 10 million views.
In it, he told his audience:
“I’m sad, distraught. In fact, I just cried in front of my livestream in front of 250,000 people.”
“Gun violence is always disgusting, always vile and always abhorrent.”
Withers concluded by sending his thoughts and prayers to Kirk’s family and to those who witnessed the tragic event at Utah Valley University.
Despite their frequent ideological clashes, Withers’ response struck a chord across the political spectrum, reminding fans that respect and humanity can transcend political differences — even in moments of tragedy.
As the nation continues to process the shocking assassination, Withers’ heartfelt reaction is being widely shared, proving once again the power of empathy in a divided digital world.
Charlie Kirk was in the middle of one of his signature “prove me wrong” debates during a talk when a person dressed in dark clothing appeared on a nearby roof and fired a single shot, striking him in the carotid artery.
Two individuals were initially taken into custody but were later released after authorities confirmed they had ”no ties” to the attack.
On Friday, Charlie Kirk’s suspected shooter was identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah, according to the Associated Press.
Known for his staunch pro-Trump views and traditional values, Kirk frequently engaged in spirited debates at colleges nationwide as part of his American Comeback Tour. He had previously faced opposition at UVU, where a petition to bar him from campus gathered more than 7,000 signatures.
He leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, their three-year-old daughter, and a 16-month-old son.