Senate Democrats are becoming increasingly aware of the potential impact on voters from prolonged government shutdowns, though there’s a growing sentiment against reopening until a $1.5 trillion spending request is fulfilled.
Connecticut’s Senator Chris Murphy described the agency closures as a “nightmare” for voters, attempting to shift the blame onto Republicans as the shutdown reached its seventh day on Tuesday. Murphy and his fellow Democrats have consistently put forth bipartisan spending proposals to fund the government, but little suggests they will alter their approach.
“I’ve faced closures before, but this is quite a nightmare,” Murphy remarked, expressing concern about the ramifications of the shutdown. “It impacts the military. And it also affects families sending their kids to Head Start programs,” he added. Murphy questioned Speaker Mike Johnson’s reluctance to bring items for a vote. “Is he really going to maintain that stance?”
On the Republican side, members have largely supported efforts to prevent further funding gaps since government operations halted on October 1.
Prime Minister Johnson has continually justified the House shutdown, claiming it fulfilled its duty by passing a clean funding bill in September. Interestingly, Murphy has voted against this bill five times, unlike three colleagues from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s faction, who frequently collaborate across party lines for funding.
Prolonged government shutdowns are likely to affect a broad swath of Americans who either earn federal wages or depend on federally-managed programs.
In a bid to address funding shortfalls due to the government standoff, the White House has taken action to reinforce its food aid initiative. Several federal health services and flood insurance programs essential for Medicare recipients have expired, leaving millions, including active-duty veterans, uncertain about receiving timely paychecks.
Murphy acknowledged the anxieties surrounding the agency closures but insisted that Democrats shouldn’t bear the blame. If the shutdown lingers past October 15—the military’s next payday—active-duty veterans might not receive their salaries. “I genuinely care about military pay, but others also feel the pinch if they miss a paycheck; it’s a significant impact on their lives,” he explained. “Honestly, I don’t get why one party is in a boycott mode in Washington right now.”
Republican leaders criticized Democrats during a press meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday for continuing the government shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune asserted that every day the Democrats prolong the shutdown results in increasingly negative consequences for the American public. He added, “The White House estimates that ongoing shutdowns will cost the economy roughly $15 billion weekly.”
On a different note, Murphy hinted that she might struggle to find the right conditions to safely support a government funding bill for next year.
Numerous Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have advocated for extending COVID-19-related Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire soon. Murphy stated that addressing President Trump’s capability to withdraw funding for reopening will necessitate some concessions from Republicans, though it seems unlikely they will agree to this at the moment.
The Democrats’ proposed counter-offer of $1.5 trillion for temporary government funding would eliminate $50 million in local hospital funds and entail cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid.
“This is a crucial moment for us to advocate for a budget that truly benefits the public while averting unnecessary distress,” Murphy continued. “I want to see a return to ACA grants, but I can’t back a budget proposal that facilitates President Trump’s ongoing avoidance of accountability or allows him to arbitrarily cancel funding on states like Connecticut.”
“We’re not being unreasonable,” Murphy emphasized. “We simply want the president to adhere to the law and hope that national premiums don’t skyrocket.”
