Political Traps Loom as Federal Shutdown Continues
Michael Larosa, a spokesperson for Jill Biden, commented on Thursday that Democrats are finding themselves ensnared in political challenges as the federal government remains closed. The shutdown occurred late Wednesday night after lawmakers couldn’t agree on a temporary funding bill before the deadline.
During an appearance on “The Record with Greta Van Susteren,” Larosa pointed out the tricky position Democrats are in. They’re pushing to defend federal employees, yet they seem unwilling to support a solution rooted in the budget they previously endorsed. “That’s why Schumer voted in March to maintain responsible government operations,” he noted. The dilemma stands—how do you advocate for federal workers when cuts are being implemented?
Larosa warned that prolonged closures could hand political advantages to President Donald Trump. He remarked, “President Trump can turn cuts into a significant issue in no time. If Democrats genuinely care about the federal workforce, they should support the continuing resolution. Keep in mind, this is Biden’s budget, and that complicates things for the Democrats.”
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer previously voted in favor of the GOP-led Stop-Gap Expenditure Bill in March, aligning with nine other Democrats to avert shutdowns. This decision stirred backlash from progressives and others in the House, who accused him of capitulating to Republican demands.
Fast forward six months, and the Democrats have shifted course. Schumer was unable to get the House to pass the funding bill, which fell short of the 60-vote requirement, tallying at 55-45. Earlier in September, Democrats also struggled to advance their own proposals, ultimately leaving Congress without a solid plan to keep government funding intact.
The deadlock centers around the potential extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire after 2025. Democratic leaders have declined to back a short-term bill that excludes these extensions. Meanwhile, Republicans advanced their initiatives, blaming Democrats for creating a situation that led to the shutdown.
