GOP Starts Looking To Democrats

Washington, D.C. — Senate Republicans are tightening the screws on several vulnerable Democrats as the government shutdown drags on, accusing liberal lawmakers of putting Washington politics ahead of American families, veterans, and taxpayers.

The GOP needs just five more Democrat votes to pass a clean, common-sense funding bill already approved by the House — but a small group of Senate Democrats continues to block progress over disputes about costly healthcare subsidies tied to ObamaCare.

“At some point, they’ve got to take ‘yes’ for an answer,” said Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), calling on Democrats to stop playing games with America’s economy and national security.

💥 Republicans Target Weak Links in the Democrat Bloc

GOP leaders believe momentum is shifting in their favor, focusing on a handful of Democrats who may be ready to break ranks with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

One of those potential swing votes is Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who is retiring this year and has little to lose politically. Peters has pushed for assurances on Affordable Care Act tax credits but has also signaled openness to compromise.

“Trust is a problem,” Peters admitted Wednesday. “We have to rebuild confidence that any agreements made will actually be honored.”

Republicans view Peters as a possible turning point in ending the impasse and restoring order in Washington.

⚖️ Democrats Under Pressure as Insurance Rates Soar

Another top GOP target is Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who is also retiring. Shaheen has warned that failure to renew ObamaCare premium tax credits could cause insurance premiums to skyrocket for millions of Americans.

“If we don’t address these credits, families could see their premiums double by November,” Shaheen told Fox News.

Republicans say Shaheen’s comments confirm what many Americans already feel — Democrat policies are driving healthcare costs through the roof, hurting seniors, families, and small businesses across the country.

🔄 Hassan and Ossoff Face Growing Backlash

Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) has previously voted for short-term funding bills and is seen as another possible crossover vote. She urged both sides to find “a bipartisan path forward” but has yet to back the House bill that would immediately reopen the government.

Meanwhile, Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), facing a difficult reelection in 2026, has criticized the White House’s lack of leadership — even as he votes to keep the shutdown going.

“The president needs to be in the room,” Ossoff told Punchbowl News. “They control the White House, the Senate, and the House — this is about leadership.”

Republicans have blasted Ossoff for turning his back on veterans and working Americans, accusing him of choosing party loyalty over patriotism.

🧱 Durbin Digging In with Schumer as Public Anger Grows

Perhaps the toughest holdout is Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), a longtime party leader and close ally of Schumer. Despite once supporting similar funding measures, Durbin now says he’ll continue voting against the GOP’s plan.

“Healthcare is too important to gamble with,” Durbin told reporters.

Critics argue Durbin and Schumer are gambling with the livelihoods of everyday Americans — from border agents to senior citizens — just to score political points before the 2026 elections.

🚨 Bottom Line: Democrats Are Losing the Public

As frustration mounts nationwide, Republicans say the longer the shutdown continues, the clearer it becomes who’s really standing in the way of progress.

Millions of Americans are demanding that Congress put the nation first, not the political class. And with public pressure growing and Democrat unity cracking, Republicans believe it’s only a matter of time before the stalemate collapses — and accountability finally returns to Washington.