As the government shutdown led by Democrats entered its seventh day, House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) appeared on Fox Report Weekend to discuss the ongoing situation and place responsibility for the impasse on Senate Democrats. According to Cole, Senate Democrats have blocked a clean continuing resolution (CR) passed by the House five times, despite bipartisan support in both chambers.
Cole stated, “The Democrats, quite frankly, just are throwing a temper tantrum. Look, we're willing to negotiate on these other matters, but we're not willing to shut down the government, and it's an enormous mistake.”
He also criticized House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his role in the negotiations: “The irresponsibility here is people shutting down the government, and unfortunately, Leader Jeffries has been a leader in doing that. Now, at this point in the discussion, he's really sort of irrelevant. I mean, the reality is the House has already passed the bill, so there's no need to be talking to a Democratic congressman about reopening the government.”
Reflecting on previous shutdowns involving both parties over issues such as repealing Obamacare and immigration policy reforms like DACA, Cole said those efforts were unsuccessful. He noted: “Well, in two of the three past [shutdowns], we deserve the blame, quite frankly. That was a Republican decision to shut down the government in 2013 to try and repeal Obamacare. It didn't work. Later in 2018-19, the government was partially shut down to try and force the construction of the wall. That didn't work. I can also point out Democrats in 2018 shut the government down for a few days over what's called DACA to try and force reforms in that immigration policy. That didn't work. It's not going to work [this time] either. So, I think the American people are awfully smart. They understand that certainly the House, under Republican control, has passed legislation to open the government over Mr. Jeffries' objections, and frankly again a majority of United States Senate—a bipartisan majority—has voted same way.”
Cole argued that historically Democrats have advocated keeping negotiations open while maintaining government operations: “Historically [Democrats have] argued we should just keep government open and keep negotiating when we have differences. I agree with that. I'm surprised they're not living up to that right now.”
He emphasized ongoing communication among senators from both parties but insisted action needs to happen in the Senate: “The real issue is in United States Senate...I do think there's considerable amount of communication going on there amongst senators...But again right now action is in Senate.”
Discussing impacts of prolonged shutdowns on Americans—including delayed paychecks for military personnel and essential workers—Cole said: “It's costing American people every day...but it's not just money; it's needed services...we're not paying people we're asking work like our military...like air traffic controllers...border security people...law enforcement officials—all those provide essential services—they're delivering them—we're just not fulfilling our part bargain—that's up Democrats again—they've made this decision.”
He further added: “[Democrats are] doing something they've condemned Republicans for doing past...now hypocrisy here having denounced shutdowns repeatedly is just breathtaking....We may even get point where we're not extending help women children WIC program helps single parents or low-income parents put food table....all you gotta do reopen government we can talk about other issues Democrats concerned about.”
