U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the Senate Majority Whip, addressed the Senate regarding the ongoing government shutdown, which he referred to as the “Schumer Shutdown.” Barrasso highlighted that several major unions traditionally aligned with Democrats are now urging Senate Democrats to support a clean continuing resolution and end the shutdown.
Quoting the American Federation of Government Employees, Barrasso said: “It is time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship.” He emphasized that this union, known for supporting Democratic candidates and causes, is now publicly calling on Democrats to act.
Barrasso noted that other unions have expressed similar concerns. The head of the Capitol Police Union warned about increasing difficulties for officers as the shutdown continues. The President of the Teamsters Union stated: “American workers are not bargaining chips. Senators should stop screwing around and pass the House-passed clean, short-term funding bill.” Additionally, the leader of the National Air Traffic Controllers Union urged an immediate end to the shutdown due to uncertainty over paychecks.
“These are working Americans. Their paychecks are missing. Their bills are mounting. Their stress is multiplying. Their message is clear: reopen the government today. Democrats refuse to listen. Instead, they freely admit this is all about politics,” Barrasso said.
He cited comments from Democratic leaders acknowledging political motivations behind their stance on the shutdown. According to Barrasso, Senate Minority Leader Schumer said in an interview with Punchbowl News: “Every day gets better for us.” The House Democrat Whip told Fox News: “Of course there will be families that are going to suffer, but it is one of the few leverage times we have.” Senator Chris Coons of Delaware described it as “our only moment of leverage” during a CSPAN appearance.
Barrasso outlined some effects of the continued shutdown: air traffic controllers missed their first full paychecks; 1.8 million federal workers—including Border Patrol and TSA agents—will miss theirs by Friday; and by week’s end, 42 million Americans could lose food assistance benefits.
He also pointed out reports from The New York Times indicating food banks expect higher demand as families across states may face hunger due to halted government operations.
Barrasso argued that national safety is at risk because one in six air traffic control centers was understaffed over a recent weekend and nearly 20,000 flights had been delayed since Sunday.
“Senate Republicans have voted 13 times for a clean, short-term continuing resolution,” he said. “It reopens the government and pays every federal worker. 13 times Senate Democrats have voted no.”
According to Barrasso, reopening requires 60 votes in the Senate; currently 55 senators support ending the shutdown—meaning five more Democratic votes would suffice.
“Republicans are ready to pay our workers, feed our families, and reopen the government,” Barrasso concluded.
