Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) has voiced strong criticism regarding what he terms as the “Schumer shutdown.” In a recent commentary, Kennedy outlined a number of unconventional initiatives championed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and other progressive Democrats, which he argues are prioritized over the basic needs of American citizens.
Among the foreign aid proposals, he contends that the Democrats are insisting on the inclusion of the following expenditures before agreeing to restore government operations:
– $3.6 million allocated for culinary and dance programs for male sex workers in Haiti.
– Over $4.2 million earmarked for LGBTQ initiatives across the Western Balkans and Uganda.
– $6 million designated to support Palestinian media organizations.
– $3 million directed toward circumcision and vasectomy procedures in Zambia.
– Over $833,000 intended for transgender individuals in Nepal.
– $500,000 planned for the acquisition of electric buses in Rwanda.
– $300,000 aimed at sponsoring a pride parade in Lesotho.
You simply can’t invent this stuff.
Here’s a glimpse into the funding requests Democrats are pursuing:
– $3 million for circumcisions and vasectomies in Zambia
– $833k for transgender individuals in Nepal
– $4.2 million for LGBTQ representation in the Western Balkans and Uganda
– $3.6 million⊠pic.twitter.com/maGvy3mLvC— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 3, 2025
In a discussion on Fox Business, Kennedy forecasted that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer would eventually seek a way to “engineer an off-ramp” to navigate the protracted government shutdown.
Kennedy remarked to host Larry Kudlow, “I am quite familiar with him. This shutdown is not merely a policy disagreement; it is fundamentally a political maneuver.” He continued, “Senator Schumer finds himself attempting to curry favor with the more extreme, socialist faction of the Democratic Party, which currently holds significant influence, yet they will never fully embrace him.”
“This strategy certainly backfires. It would serve him better to adopt the straightforward approach he employed back in March, which kept the government functioning smoothly.”
“Schumerâs request essentially translates to ‘We will keep the government shuttered until you Republicans and President Trump agree to hand over $1.5 trillion, after which you will adhere to our spending directives.’
“This situation will eventually resolve itself when Senator Schumer approaches six or eight of his Democratic colleagues and pleads, ‘Please, help me out here. Vote for reopening the government. I may have to criticize you for it. Iâm not voting alongside you, but I require a way out of this predicament. I need an off-ramp.’
“And thatâs how weâll find our way back to normalcy.”
“Yet, the delicate balance he must maintain is crucial; if this plan appears too staged, he’ll lose credibility. He must ensure it doesnât seem like a revolt is occurring among his ranks. That’s the pathway to reopening.”
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