Dem Leader Challenges Mike Johnson to Live, Primetime Debate Over Shutdown

Sean James Oct 6th, 2025, 11:38 am

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on Monday challenged House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to a live, primetime TV debate over the government shutdown, with the New York Democrat saying Johnson, Republicans, and President Donald Trump refuse “to provide healthcare to everyday Americans.”

Jeffries sent his offer to Johnson in a letter, which was shared by Axios reporter Andrew Solender on X.

“I write to challenge you to a debate on the Floor of the House of Representatives any day this week in primetime, broadcast live to the American people,” Jeffries started off his letter.

He then blasted Johnson for having House Republicans go “o

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