Dems pressed on why they are using working families as ‘leverage’ amid shutdown
As the government shutdown continues, tensions between Democrats and Republicans are escalating, with both sides accusing each other of using working-class Americans as political leverage. Democratic senators have expressed their concerns about the ongoing impasse, particularly regarding healthcare issues and the funding of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island candidly stated, “It’s the only lever we have,” highlighting the party’s strategy to use the shutdown as a means to negotiate for healthcare funding. Meanwhile, Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey emphasized that the Democrats’ actions stem from a genuine concern for families struggling with healthcare costs, attributing the stalemate to President Trump and his allies’ unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations.
In contrast, Republicans argue that Democrats are the ones refusing to budge, pointing out that the ACA subsidies in question do not expire until the end of the year and can be addressed once the government is reopened. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut noted that the upcoming election cycle is centered around the crucial issue of lowering costs for Americans. However, it was Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania who notably rejected the framing of the situation as a political game. He insisted that the lives of millions of Americans should not be reduced to mere leverage in political negotiations. Fetterman argued for the importance of opening the government to allow for honest discussions about healthcare and other pressing issues, suggesting that both parties could find common ground once the immediate crisis is resolved.
This ongoing debate underscores the stark divide in Washington over how to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans. With millions potentially losing access to vital services like SNAP benefits amid the shutdown, the urgency for a resolution is palpable. Fetterman’s perspective reflects a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that prioritizing the needs of constituents should take precedence over political maneuvering, urging a collaborative approach to governance. As the shutdown drags on, the question remains whether the two parties can set aside their differences to find a solution that benefits the American public rather than exacerbating partisan tensions.
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When pressed on why Democrats are using working-class Americans as “leverage” amid the ongoing
government shutdown
, several Democratic senators offered varying responses — but only one rejected the premise that their party is holding Americans hostage.
“It’s the only lever we have,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., responded when asked about the matter.
“We’re doing this because we’re hearing from so many families
concerned about their healthcare,”
said Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J. “We’re doing this because we’re hearing from them and wanting to address that.” Kim also blamed President Donald Trump and his allies, arguing that “this administration has been unwilling to actually negotiate.”
DEMOCRATS REFUSE TO BUDGE OVER OBAMACARE FIGHT AS SHUTDOWN DRAGS ON
“Schumer and Jefferies have asked yet again to talk to Trump before Trump goes on an international trip,” Kim lamented. “When we have all this problem here at home, for the amount of money that
Donald Trump
has organized to send over to Argentina, we could have funded the ACA subsidies for another year.”
Republicans counter that Democrats are the ones refusing to negotiate, noting the
Obamacare subsidies
at issue don’t expire until year’s end and can be debated once the government reopens.
“The way I see it, 2024 was about one issue above and beyond all else, and that was about lowering costs,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
TOP REPUBLICAN SLAMS KATHERINE CLARK FOR ADMITTING SUFFERING FAMILIES ARE ‘LEVERAGE’ IN SHUTDOWN BATTLE
But, it was swing-state Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., who objected to the framing of the question, telling Fox News Digital that “this isn’t a political game.”
“I would never say – I’m not going to describe the lives of millions of Americans as a euphemism, as ‘leverage,'” Fetterman shot back in response to the question. “This isn’t a political game. I’m not checking about how it’s polling or who’s going to blink.
Millions of Pennsylvanians
are going to lose their SNAP benefits and I think we should have them both at the same time.”
Fetterman, appearing to side with an argument coming from the GOP that the Obamacare subsidies can be negotiated after the government reopens, said he believes there can be “an honest conversation” between Republicans and Democrats once the government gets to a place where it can turn the lights back on.
“I think plenty of [Republicans] are going to want this too – have that conversation – open up this government because that’s not leverage, this is a fail,” Fetterman said.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
