House Speaker Mike Johnson has said Republicans will not leave Washington for the August recess until they complete a heavy end-of-week workload, despite doubts over whether the party can secure enough votes to advance key legislation. This matters because it signals Johnson's determination to push through contentious fiscal measures even amid internal GOP divisions, potentially delaying lawmakers' summer break if agreement proves difficult.

The outstanding items include a procedural vote to open debate on a stopgap government funding measure, a $95 billion budget framework, and the annual defence policy bill. Asked directly by Fox News on Monday whether the House would adjourn early if talks stalled, Johnson gave a firm three-word reply: "I will not."