Speaker Johnson Remarks Following White House Meeting with Congressional Leaders

For Immediate Release

Contact: Taylor Haulsee

“When I showed up today my purpose was to express what I believe is that obvious truth… that we must take care of America’s needs first. When you talk about America’s needs, you need to talk further about our open border…”

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson made the following remarks after meeting at the White House today with President Biden, Vice President Harris, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, and House Minority Leader Jeffries:

Click here for video of the Speaker’s remarks

“When I showed up today my purpose was to express what I believe is that obvious truth. And that is we must take care of America’s needs first. When you talk about America’s needs, you need to talk further about our open border.

“I’ve been, I believe, in maybe twenty something states over the last several weeks, going around the country, appearing at events with my colleagues and we’re hearing from the American people of all parties, in all persuasions, in all cities and in all states, who feel this acutely. They understand the catastrophe at the border is affecting everyone and it is top of mind for all the American people for that reason. I brought that issue up repeatedly today in that room. And, again, one on one with the President. I think that’s our responsibility to bring that up.

“The other big priority for our country, of course, is the funding of our government. And we have been working in good faith around the clock every single day, for months and weeks, and over the last several days, quite literally around the clock to get that job done. We’re very optimistic. I hope that the other leaders came out here and told you the same. We believe that we can get to agreement on these issues and prevent a government shutdown. And that’s our first responsibility.

“You also heard I’m sure that there was discussion about the supplemental spending package. And I was very clear with the President and all those in the room that the House is actively pursuing and investigating all the various options on that, and we will address that in a timely manner.

“But again, the first priority of the country is our border and making sure it’s secure. I believe the President can take executive authority right now today to change that. And I told him that again today in person, as I’ve said to him many times, publicly and privately over the last have several weeks. It’s time for action. It is a catastrophe, and it must stop. We will get the government funded and we’ll keep working on that.”

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