Capitol Police move in as Dem ambushes Mike Johnson: 'Lies to the American people!'

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) on Wednesday confronted Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to his face over his refusal to even speak with Democrats over the government shutdown — and Capitol Police moved in to usher her away.

Johnson claims that his House has passed a continuing resolution to fund the government that should now pass the Senate — and he has nothing to negotiate. His stance is that the Senate must pass his bill before any conversations take place.

That House-passed CR, however, expires on Nov. 21.

Democrats have been speaking with some GOP senators about a plan to fund the government while restoring healthcare subsidies. Open enrollment began Nov. 1, and Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman noted that the theory is that pressure will increase on Republicans after Americans see healthcare premium increases.

Houlahan wants to see Johnson begin to engage with Democrats over the shutdown, but her confrontation didn't appear to go well.

"I'm asking you a question: if you're ready to have a conversation with the other side?" she asked. "You represent all of us. You are the speaker for all of us, sir. You have an obligation not just to speak lies to the American people. You have an obligation to call the leadership of both parties and bring us together and solve this problem together, Mr. Speaker."

Johnson blasted Houlahan, telling her to "respect free speech," which she turned around and used against him.

It was then that a Capitol Police officer grabbed Houlahan's shoulder to usher her away from the speaker, only to learn that she was a member of Congress. Members wear a special pin to indicate they are in the office. Some of the women hook it onto a necklace to wear it around their necks.

The officer asked to see the pin, and Houlahan lifted the necklace up.

"Ok. Thank you," the officer says.

Johnson continued speaking on the Capitol steps to a small audience of media.