The Radical Left Democrats may be steering the nation towards a government shutdown unless they secure their ambitious funding proposal of approximately $1.5 trillion. Known for their stances on open borders and social issues, this faction is putting at risk the pay for military personnel, crucial veteran care, firefighter wages, disaster relief, and numerous other programs that everyday Americans depend on. In contrast, President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party are focused on maintaining government operations through a clean funding extension.
The irony is palpable; these very Democrats, who once sounded the alarm about government shutdowns, are now in the midst of orchestrating just that:
- Sen. Chris Murphy (9/27/13): “There are appropriate times to discuss health care, energy policy, immigration, and education—but not when federal funding and the livelihoods of so many hang in the balance.”
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (1/16/24): “This week’s passing of a clean continuing resolution is crucial, primarily to prevent a disastrous and unnecessary government shutdown. Both Democrats and Republicans should have no desire for a shutdown.”
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren (9/30/13): “The bare minimum we can do is pass a continuing resolution to keep things running… [to threaten a shutdown] is a last resort for those unable to win battles through elections, Congress, or the courts.”
- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (9/23/24): “Shutting down the government should not be an option.”
- Sen. Brian Schatz (9/28/23): “I’ve seen this cycle repeatedly: shutdowns achieve nothing. The government eventually recommences, and both sides walk away empty-handed. The real losers are the American people.”
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (9/9/24): “Maintaining government operations means avoiding poison pill legislation and reckless partisan behavior.”
- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (3/10/25): “We should not be allowing the government to be shut down.”
- Sen. Mark Warner (9/23/24): “Government shutdowns lead to chaos for federal employees, impact pay for servicemembers, and weaken our international standing.”
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (9/16/24): “If the government shuts down, average Americans will face the brunt of the fallout—including seniors reliant on Social Security, veterans needing support, and military personnel being forced to work without remuneration.”
- Sen. Chuck Schumer (9/8/24): “We understand the stakes involved: essential funding for health care, infrastructure, education, food safety, veterans, and national competitiveness hangs in the balance.”
- Sen. Patty Murray (1/5/24): “A government shutdown resolves nothing but causes harm across the board.”
- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (12/20/24): “Countless Nevada guardsmen and active duty personnel are relying on Congress to fulfill its responsibilities and avert a shutdown.”
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (1/4/18): “We must take every precaution to prevent a shutdown, which would have dire implications for millions of Americans who depend on government services.”
- Sen. Jacky Rosen (9/29/23): “A government shutdown would have devastating consequences for families in Nevada, increasing housing costs and disrupting food assistance for vulnerable populations.”
- Sen. Mark Kelly (9/29/23): “Shutdowns would impact numerous important sectors, from paychecks for servicemembers to potential delays in air travel. Congress must collaborate to prevent this.”
- Sen. Gary Peters (9/29/23): “A government shutdown could spell disaster for our economy and for the livelihoods of Americans.”
- Sen. Chris Murphy (9/27/23): “Shutdowns can cost our economy billions; essential services for military personnel, teachers, firefighters, and more will suffer.”
- Sen. Jack Reed (9/27/23): “The financial repercussions of any duration of a government shutdown harm hardworking Americans and the economy, costing taxpayers significantly.”
- Sen. Tim Kaine (1/25/19): “I represent Virginia, where the negative impacts of a government shutdown are acutely felt.”
- Sen. Dick Durbin (9/26/23): “Negotiating to avert a shutdown is paramount; it’s about safeguarding the livelihood of American citizens and ensuring governmental functions.”
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar (1/9/19): “Shutdowns create significant harm to the economy.”
- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (1/8/19): “[A government shutdown leads to] children in America going to bed hungry. This is intolerable.”
- Then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin (12/22/18): “A government shutdown delivers no benefits.”
- Then-Rep. Ruben Gallego (11/19/15): “A shutdown negatively affects disabled veterans, marginalized children, and working families.”
- Then-Rep. Adam Schiff (9/30/23): “A shutdown would lead to many federal employees being furloughed, with military personnel forced to serve without pay.”
