House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol on May 6, 2025, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP Photo)
He asked House Republicans to keep a low profile before they are due to return to Capitol Hill next week, including forgoing any House floor speeches and political events, Fox News Digital was told.
His comments on a shutdown being likely were in response to one House GOP lawmaker asking whether to pull out of a planned event this week.
Democrats and Republicans are at odds over how to avert a potential shutdown, with the former warning they will not vote for the latter's bill without significant concessions on healthcare reform.
Republicans, in turn, have pointed out that the funding levels are roughly the same as those Democrats supported under former President Joe Biden at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2024, and have accused Democrats of making unreasonable or partisan demands for a seven-week funding bill.
The measure, a stopgap bill keeping government spending levels mostly flat until Nov. 21, is aimed at giving the House and Senate more time to set funding priorities for FY 2026, which begins on Oct. 1.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he leaves the White House in Washington on Sept. 7, 2025. (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)
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Democrats are demanding legislation that reverses some of the Republicans' Medicaid cuts in their "One Big, Beautiful Bill," and an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies.
Republicans, who have accused Democrats of trying to restore barriers on illegal immigrants getting Medicaid, have said the left's demands would add about $1.5 trillion in spending.
It comes as the top four leaders in the House and Senate are expected to meet with President Donald Trump on Monday afternoon to discuss government funding in a last-ditch effort to avert a shutdown.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/a-good-bet-mike-johnson-prepares-house-republicans-likely-government-shutdown-lawmaker-only-call