After refusing to convene the U.S. House during the government shutdown, Speaker Mike Johnson is recalling lawmakers back into session. They are set to consider the bill to reopen the federal government on Wednesday. As hundreds of lawmakers return they are bringing pent-up legislative demands after nearly two months away. There are calls to release the Jeffrey Epstein files and swear-in Arizona's Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won her special election back in September. It's all a test of the speaker's leadership and shows the ways he has amassed power alongside President Donald Trump.

Democrats are calling on President Donald Trump to get more involved with negotiations to end the government shutdown. Trump is showing no interest in interjecting in the fight that has stretched through three weeks with little movement. Republican leadership in Congress is hoping it stays that way, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterating Thursday that negotiations are possible "once the government opens up." But some in Trump's party are expressing frustration with the lack of movement. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she thinks some in the Trump administration are happy that the role of Congress is being diminished.

President Donald Trump has used the government shutdown to reshape the federal workforce and target detractors. The president says he'll be meeting Thursday with budget director Russ Vought to discuss potential spending cuts. Trump has already suggested slashing Democratic priorities and mass firings of federal workers. Vought has already withheld funds for projects in New York and canceled green energy projects in Democratic states. Congress remains at a standstill on legislation to end the shutdown, with Democrats demanding concessions on health care. Congress has no action scheduled Thursday in observance of the Jewish holy day, virtually guaranteeing the shutdown will last into Friday.