U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, addressed the Senate on September 30, 2025, urging Senate Democrats to support a clean continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown. Barrasso accused Democrats of demanding what he called a “far-left shutdown ransom” and claimed their actions could lead to significant disruptions in government services.
In his remarks, Barrasso stated, “Republicans are fighting for veterans, service members, law enforcement, Border Patrol agents, seniors, and rural hospitals. Democrats are willing to shut down the government for illegal immigrants, climate extremism, and wasteful Washington spending.”
Barrasso referenced comments made by Senator Schumer in 2013 regarding government shutdowns: “What if I persuaded my caucus to say, ‘I am going to shut the government down… unless I get my way?’ It’s a politics of idiocy.’ A shutdown is ‘idiocy.’ Those are the Minority Leader’s words – not mine.”
He noted that the House had already passed a clean continuing resolution with bipartisan support that would keep the government funded at current levels for seven weeks. According to Barrasso, this measure would allow both parties on the Appropriations Committee to continue work on full-year funding bills.
Barrasso criticized Democrats for rejecting similar resolutions they had previously supported and alleged that their current proposal includes over $1 trillion in additional spending for just four weeks. He said this proposal included provisions such as maintaining expanded COVID payments and repealing Medicaid reforms.
Addressing healthcare concerns in rural areas, Barrasso said: “The Democrats’ proposal… wants to repeal the critically-important $50 billion Rural Hospital Fund. Every Democrat in this body voted against a $50 billion Rural Hospital Fund.” He further argued that Democratic proposals threaten rural healthcare sustainability.
Barrasso described Democratic actions as an “outrageous shakedown” and blamed them for risking a shutdown: “Everything they’re doing is focused on satisfying the most radical, extreme, dangerous, and scary part of their party.”
He also cited several organizations warning about the effects of a potential shutdown:
– The American Legion warned it will “directly affect the lives of veterans and their families.”
– Vietnam Veterans of America stated: “For veterans, a shutdown is … an immediate disruption of care, support, and progress on life-saving initiatives.”
– The National Fraternal Order of Police said it “will cause major disruptions for programs that fund public safety efforts in our communities.”
– The National Association of Police Organizations added: “Federal law enforcement officers… will be putting their lives on the line without getting paid.”
– The Association of Mature American Citizens warned seniors would face “backlogs and service disruptions.”
– The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said farmers and ranchers would lose “predictability and stability” during harvest season.
– The National Grocers Association warned that programs feeding low-income families could run out of money.
Barrasso concluded by reiterating his call for Democrats to support keeping the government open: “Tear up the ransom note. Keep the government open. Otherwise, Democrats will own the Schumer Shutdown. And the American people will suffer the costs and consequences.”
