Speaker Johnson accuses Democrats of 'playing politics' with Americans' lives: 'Infuriating' House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., responds to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries', D-N.Y., claims that he and the Republican Party are responsible for the shutdown, saying Democrats are attempting to appease their 'far-left' base. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! The government shutdown is poised to enter a third week, and Democrats still appear to be struggling in the search for a