As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, Democrats have avoided direct questions about whether their hardline stance on extending Obamacare subsidies is a worthwhile cost, instead shifting blame to the Republican Party. During a Fox News Digital interview, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., responded to a query about the standoff by stating, ‘We have to ask a Republican, because the Republicans have agreed to exactly zero negotiations.’ This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among Democrats, who have criticized Republican inaction and the administration’s failure to resolve the crisis.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., also placed the blame on President Donald Trump, stating, ‘He’s got to agree to live by the deal we come up with; thus far we’ve not been able to get him to agree.’ Kaine emphasized the need for Trump to guarantee that if a deal is reached, he won’t immediately tear it apart by canceling projects or cutting benefits. While acknowledging Trump for finding funds to pay U.S. troops, Kaine criticized the president for refusing to use a contingency fund for federal workers, which he argued is essential for maintaining economic stability.
Other Senate Democrats, including Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., have denounced Trump’s stance as ‘as fabulously immoral as any act seen by any president ever.’ Merkley argued that the funds for November are already available and that Trump has the authority to distribute them, but the president is using the welfare of American children as a bargaining chip. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., echoed similar concerns, stating, ‘Republicans are giving us two choices: either take health care away from millions of people or take food away from millions of people and don’t pay the troops.’
The situation highlights the deepening crisis as House Republicans continue to remain in recess, waiting for Senate approval of a continuing resolution to reopen the government. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has indicated the House will stay in recess until the Senate agrees to the House-passed bill. The ongoing stalemate is seen as a significant economic burden, with Democrats warning that the prolonged shutdown is causing pain for working-class Americans who are struggling to afford insurance, healthcare, and basic necessities like groceries.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., called the government shutdown a ‘major crisis,’ emphasizing the need for Republicans to negotiate a reopening of the government while also ensuring affordability for American families. ‘I have voted on eight different occasions to reopen the government,’ she stated, ‘and the Republicans need to come to the table and negotiate something that allows us to both reopen the government and make sure that Americans are able to afford health care coverage.’ Similarly, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., criticized House Republicans for not returning to work in six weeks, describing their actions as callous and uncaring, and stressing the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis.