U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, criticized Democrats at a press conference in Washington, D.C., over the government shutdown that began October 1, 2025. Barrasso said Democrats had given in to the “radical wing” of their party and failed to protect American interests.
“Well, today we’re in the middle of the Schumer Shutdown. The Democrats have caved in to the radical wing of the Democrat party – caved in completely – and have abandoned the American people in the process. And why? Well, one of the reasons is that Chuck Schumer wants to try to prove to somebody that he’s more liberal than AOC,” Barrasso stated.
Barrasso noted divisions within the Democratic caucus during recent Senate proceedings: “Yesterday on the Senate Floor, the cracks started to appear in the Democrat base. Three Democrats voted with the Republicans to prevent a shutdown. And why? Because they know the American people are hurt when the government shuts down. We hurt our military, who may be without pay. We hurt our veterans, who may not get healthcare.”
He said that another vote would be held in the Senate on a continuing resolution designed to fund government operations for seven weeks while appropriations are negotiated. “Today, the Senate is going to vote again and give the Democrats an opportunity to open the government by passing the continuing resolution to give us seven weeks to do the appropriations process and get the government open again. That’s what the American people want. It’s what the American people deserve. And today, we’ll see how many Democrats vote with us to end the Schumer Shutdown.”
