(NewsNation) — House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says the possibility of federal workers not receiving back pay will be a "moot point" if Democrats "do the sensible thing" and help end the government shutdown.
Johnson joined Tuesday's "On Balance" to discuss the shutdown, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and public perception with the government now in its seventh day of closure.
The speaker noted there has been "discussion" surrounding back pay of federal employees.
"I think the Democrats, if they'll come in here and do the sensible thing tonight or tomorrow and reopen the government, all of this is a moot point. We'll take care of the problem.
"But the decision point is on the Democrats, not Republicans. Look, it's always been tradition that furloughed federal employees do get back pay, a