Mike Johnson rejects Hakeem Jeffries' demand to debate shutdown in primetime

Source: msn/Axios

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday rejected Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' (D-N.Y.) demand that the two have a televised debate as the government shutdown entered its second week.

Why it matters: Johnson is laying down a hard line in refusing to negotiate on a deal to end the shutdown, cancelling House votes this week and vowing to keep the chamber out of session until Democrats fold.

"The House has done its job," he said at a press conference Monday. "There's nothing for us to negotiate."

"A debate on the House Floor will provide the American people with the transparency they deserve," Jeffries wrote.

"It will also give you an opportunity to explain your my way or the highway approach to shutting the government down, when Democratic votes are needed to resolve the impasse that exists."