Senator John Barrasso, representing Wyoming in the U.S. Senate and a member of the Republican Party, posted several statements on his social media account criticizing Democratic lawmakers for their stance and actions regarding government shutdowns.
On October 1, 2025, Barrasso wrote: “Under the Biden and Obama presidencies, Democrats called shutdowns “dangerous, destructive, and desperate.” Democrats have now done the very thing they condemned.”
The following day, he quoted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s remarks from 2024: ‘”Passing a CR will avert a harmful and unnecessary government shutdown.” – @SenSchumer in 2024 Democrats are putting their own agenda ahead of what is best for the American people.’
Later on October 2, Barrasso referenced Senator Elizabeth Warren’s past comments: ‘”A shutdown is the last resort for those who can’t otherwise win their fights through elections and can’t win their fights in congress.” – @SenWarren She voted to shutdown the government.’
Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation funding federal agencies. During both Democratic and Republican administrations in recent decades, budget impasses have led to partial or full closures of federal operations. Continuing resolutions (CRs) are often used as temporary measures to keep agencies funded while longer-term agreements are negotiated.
Barrasso’s comments reflect ongoing partisan debate over responsibility for such impasses. In previous years—including during Barack Obama’s presidency—Democratic leaders publicly criticized government shutdowns as damaging to public services and economic stability.
