WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a solemn ceremony that blended meteorological tradition with congressional theater, House Speaker Mike Johnson emerged from his Capitol Hill office burrow at approximately 7:15 a.m. this morning, squinted into the pale February sunlight, and reportedly caught sight of his own shadow cast across the marble steps. According to sources close to the Louisiana Republican, the sighting has officially triggered 12 more months of pretending to be a conservative. “Speaker Johnson peered out, saw the outline of his suit jacket against the wall, and immediately declared another full year of fiscal restraint, family values, and principled governance,” read a statement from his office, delivered in the same dry monotone used for continuing resolutions and debt-ceiling hikes. “We expect this shadow-induced conservatism to persist through at least the next election cycle, or until such time as a must-pass spending bill requires otherwise.” Meteorologists and longtime Capitol Hill observers noted that Johnson’s shadow appeared unusually crisp and well-groomed, a sign, they said, of prolonged posturing. “The contrast was stark,” explained one veteran reporter. “On one side you had the bright light of conservative promises; on the other, the long, dark silhouette of bipartisan compromise. Classic six-more-weeks-of-winter energy, but stretched to 365 days.” Critics were quick to point out that Johnson has seen his shadow nearly every year since assuming the speakership, a pattern some have dubbed “Groundhog Gridlock.” Last February, the Speaker emerged, spotted the outline of his own principles, and promptly presided over a record number of funding extensions described by allies as “bold conservative strategy” and by detractors as “kicking the can so hard it developed separation anxiety.” Progressive groups expressed cautious optimism that the extended conservative performance might eventually exhaust itself. “If history is any guide,” said one activist, “the shadow usually fades around the time a government shutdown looms and the base starts yelling about primary challenges. Then it’s straight back to sunshine, rainbows, and trillion-dollar omnibus bills.” For his part, Johnson remained stoic when asked about the prognosis. “The American people sent us here to do hard things,” he said, adjusting his glasses in a manner that suggested mild discomfort with direct sunlight. “And if seeing my shadow means another year of standing firm on the things we said we’d stand firm on until we don’t, then so be it.” Punxsutawney Phil, reached for comment via carrier pigeon, declined to weigh in, reportedly muttering something about “amateur hour in D.C.” before retreating to his professionally managed burrow with better lighting. The Speaker’s office has scheduled no further shadow-related events at this time, though aides confirmed a closed-door caucus meeting to discuss whether the shadow counts as an official “witness” under House rules. Happy Groundhog Day, America. Twelve more months of the same. The post Mike Johnson sees his shadow; means 12 more months of pretending to be a conservative appeared first on Genesius Times.