Funding Lapse Continues as Government Shutdown Worsens

As the funding deadlock stretches into its eighth day, Republicans are highlighting the consequences of the government shutdown initiated by Democrats.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso intends to accuse Senate Democrats on Wednesday of compromising their voters to gain favor with the party’s left flank, according to excerpts of his speech obtained. With the shutdown dragging on, critical services like food assistance are becoming less accessible, and military personnel are facing temporary pay disruptions. It seems Democrats are bracing for a prolonged struggle, even as these issues escalate.

“Democrats are holding the American public hostage to push their agenda,” Barrasso is expected to state on the Senate floor. “They’re indicating that our service members’ pay is negotiable and telling small businesses that their aspirations are collateral damage. To mothers of young children, they’re implying that WIC benefits are bargaining chips for far-left demands.”

“Republicans are dedicated to making sure families get the support they need,” Barrasso noted. “Sadly, Democrats are choosing to keep the government shut down for political gain.”

Senate Democrats have turned down several proposals for a straightforward funding bill to reopen the government until Republicans agree to an extra $1.5 trillion in spending. Currently, only two Democratic senators and one independent who aligns with the Democrats are open to a bipartisan resolution, leaving the funding measure short of the necessary 60 votes for Senate approval.

Republican leaders have resisted the Democratic policy demands, insisting on negotiations only after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer provides the votes needed to end the shutdown.

Many Republican lawmakers contend that a protracted government closure and delays in funding will adversely affect Americans nationwide, including those in states governed by Democrats.

Barrasso pointed out that over 100,000 federal employees in Georgia are currently working without an expectation of timely pay. Notably, both Democratic senators from Georgia have voted against bipartisan funding extensions five times.

They could potentially reject the House-passed continuing resolution aimed at reopening the government for the sixth time during the Senate vote later today.

Barrasso will specifically mention Schumer’s home state of New York, which is on the verge of running out of funds for food assistance and essential care for newborns.

The WIC program may soon face funding shortages due to the shutdown, yet Schumer has shown little willingness to collaborate on reopening the government.

“In New York, 438,000 individuals relying on WIC are at risk of losing support this weekend,” Barrasso will reportedly say. “This program is crucial for pregnant women, new moms, and young children.”

“These issues extend beyond financial concerns; they significantly affect real lives,” Barrasso commented. “Imagine a mom at the grocery store on a Saturday with a cart—previously part of WIC—and suddenly told, ‘Sorry, your cart is empty.’ That’s the reality they are creating.”

In response, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt announced on Tuesday that the administration plans to use tariff revenues to help sustain the program.