U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the Senate Majority Whip, criticized Senate Democrats and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on the Senate floor for what he described as yielding to far-left activists during the ongoing government shutdown. Barrasso accused Democratic leadership of prioritizing alliances with activist groups over reopening the government.
“What Senator Schumer and Democrats in this body are really saying is this: Every day of this Schumer Shutdown strengthens their alliance with far-left activist groups. These radicals hold the reins of today’s Democrat party. They’re driving the stagecoach. Not Senator Schumer. Not Representative Jeffries. And they’re driving it off a cliff,” said Barrasso.
He referenced upcoming rallies organized by activist groups, which are expected to take place in Washington, D.C., and other locations across the country. Barrasso stated that these events are pressuring Democrats to keep the government closed until after what some have labeled an “I Hate America” rally scheduled for Saturday.
Barrasso also cited reporting from Politico, noting a shift in support for Senator Schumer among progressive organizations such as Indivisible, which is organizing one of Saturday’s rallies. He claimed that Democratic leaders had coordinated with these groups ahead of the shutdown and accused them of orchestrating political strategy together.
“People are not receiving paychecks because Senate Democrats want to prove their allegiance to the far-left. Democrats want a standing ovation this Saturday when they address the radical wing of their party. The wing that’s holding the reins,” Barrasso continued.
He urged Democrats to support a bipartisan appropriations bill funding national defense, highlighting its broad approval in committee and arguing that it would benefit military personnel and maintain national security.
Barrasso concluded by calling on Senate Democrats to work with Republicans on bipartisan legislation and end what he termed the “Schumer Shutdown.” He emphasized Republican efforts to reopen the government through repeated votes on continuing resolutions similar to those previously supported by Democrats.
