House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., declared Monday that the nation is "at the beginning of the end" of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Speaking at the Capitol, Johnson said some Senate Democrats "finally have stepped forward to end the pain" after more than 40 days of gridlock that left millions of Americans affected.

Johnson criticized Democrats for what he called "needless suffering," while praising Republicans and President Donald Trump for holding firm.

He reiterated that Republicans have always been open to "finding solutions to reduce the oppressive costs of healthcare under the Un-Affordable Care Act," but said they would "never negotiate as hostages."

Calling the shutdown "shameful," Johnson emphasized that "shutting down the government never produces anything" and urged swift action to reopen federal operations.

Negotiators were continuing discussions Monday on a plan to restore funding and resume normal government functions.

Newsmax writer Eric Mack contributed to this report.