GOP Doubles Down On Democrats Over Shutdown
Washington, D.C. — Senate Republicans are stepping up the pressure on Democrats with a new plan to pay America’s military heroes and essential workers during the ongoing government shutdown — a move aimed at exposing what the GOP calls “heartless obstruction” from the Left.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and his allies say Democrats are blocking pay for the very Americans who keep the nation safe.
“It should be a no-brainer,” Thune said. “We’re talking about paying people who are showing up to work — soldiers, first responders, essential federal staff. Democrats are the ones standing in the way.”
Republicans Draw a Line in the Sand
The Senate has voted 11 times on the House GOP’s plan to fund the government, with a 12th vote expected this week. While most Democrats have refused to budge, a few cracks are starting to show.
Some moderates — including Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) — have broken ranks at times, voting with Republicans on procedural measures.
“This is about fairness,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). “If we pay the essential employees, we’re opening a large part of the government back up. Democrats should stop playing politics with people’s livelihoods.”
Democrats Hold Out for Obamacare Subsidies
Democrats continue to tie government funding to extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expire at the end of the year — a demand Republicans call unrelated and reckless.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) admitted the situation is a “real challenge,” yet refused to support the GOP’s plan to pay active workers and military families.
“We go through this every time there’s a shutdown,” Durbin said, calling for “both sides to work it out” while offering no alternative that protects those currently on the job.
Rising Frustration on Both Sides of the Aisle
Even within Democratic ranks, tensions are growing. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) recently sided with Republicans on a defense funding measure. Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) expressed fears that the Trump administration could “decide who gets paid” — a claim Republicans dismissed as partisan spin.
“It seems pretty heartless to deny pay to the men and women defending this nation,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). “Democrats are showing how absurd their position really is.”
Schumer and Jeffries Appeal to Trump — But GOP Unmoved
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) say they’ve reached out to President Trump to request another White House meeting before his upcoming trip to Asia.
Democrats accuse Trump of prolonging what they call the “Trump shutdown,” but Republicans argue it’s the Left that refuses to compromise.
“Plan B is to open up the government,” Thune said bluntly. “The middle ground comes after Democrats agree to that.”
GOP Says Vote Will Expose Democrats’ Priorities
Republicans are confident Thursday’s vote will highlight a stark choice for the American people: stand with the troops or stand with bureaucrats.
“This vote will show who supports the men and women in uniform — and who’s putting politics first,” a senior GOP aide said. “That’s a winning issue every time.”
The Bottom Line
With the shutdown dragging on, millions of Americans are watching to see whether Democrats will finally vote to fund the troops, pay essential workers, and reopen the government.
Republicans say the message is simple: Patriotism over politics. America first — always.
