Mere days after House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole warned that a prolonged government shutdown would lead to increased damage, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated to the press, “every day gets better for us.” This comment has sparked criticism from House Republicans who argue that the ongoing shutdown is harming Americans across the country.
Cole reiterated his position, stating, "Democrats are causing harm to the American people with a prolonged shutdown. It's not anything to celebrate — it's time to put the American people first and end the political games."
Several other members of the House Appropriations Committee also expressed concern over Schumer's remarks and highlighted the negative impacts of the shutdown on various groups. Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers referenced military service members and federal workers missing paychecks while Democrats celebrate. Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson called Schumer’s celebration of the shutdown “shameful.” Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert pointed out that millions of federal workers are unsure about receiving their next paycheck as Schumer celebrates.
Other committee leaders such as Mario Diaz-Balart and Steve Womack criticized what they see as prioritizing politics over people and noted how families are affected when service members work without pay. Chuck Fleischmann described Schumer as "gleefully happy" about harm caused to troops and their families, while Andy Harris labeled Schumer's statement "revealing and disgusting."
Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman David Joyce posted a reminder that each week of a government shutdown results in significant economic loss.
Multiple representatives including Ben Cline, Ashley Hinson, Tony Gonzales, Julie Letlow, Ryan Zinke, Andrew Clyde, Stephanie Bice, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, Chuck Edwards, Mark Alford, Dale Strong, and Riley Moore also voiced criticism through public statements or social media posts. They emphasized issues such as delayed fire prevention work, disrupted contracts for small businesses leading to layoffs, interrupted healthcare services for seniors, threats to WIC benefits for mothers and infants, and uncertainty for rural airports.
The press release concludes by stating there is nothing positive about missed paychecks or stalled services for millions of Americans and calls for Senate Democrats to support a House-passed continuing resolution intended to reopen government operations.
