Congressional Republicans have recently pinned all the blame on Senate Democrats for the impending shutdown of the federal government because they have refused to negotiate over the proposed spending plan. Senate Democrats have countered this narrative, though, claiming that Republicans are responsible because they control Congress and the White House.
They claim that since Republicans have all the power, they should be blamed for refusing to negotiate.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D) and Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D) held a press conference, where they discussed the matter and confirmed that the central disagreement centers on healthcare funding.
Watch @SenSchumer and @RepJeffries on how this shutdown is in Trump’s hands.
If the government shuts down, it’s because Republicans would rather shut it down rather than help people afford health care. pic.twitter.com/il0sXcixhC
— Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) September 29, 2025
Sen. Schumer doubled down on his rhetoric, claiming that Republicans would rather shut down the government than help people afford health care.
This shutdown is in Trump’s hands.
He admitted in the room today that the president gets the blame for a shutdown.
Americans are facing a crisis of rising health care costs. If the government shuts down, it’s because Republicans would rather shut it down rather than help people…
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 29, 2025
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D) shared a similar sentiment on social media, pinning the blame on Republicans and claiming that they are at fault for not wanting to negotiate.
Tonight at midnight, the government runs out of money.
Donald Trump and Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House.
But they refuse to even negotiate with Democrats to fix this urgent health care crisis.
People want Congress to make life more affordable NOW.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 30, 2025
Senator Bernie Sanders (D) published a video of himself discussing the situation on X. He claimed that Republicans are trying to get away with raising health insurance premiums by 75% and throwing 15 million people off of their health care plans.
This government shut down is all about whether Republicans will get away with raising health care premiums by 75% for 20 million Americans and throwing 15 million people off their health care.
We can't allow that to happen. pic.twitter.com/BWgqZMoUQ4
— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) September 30, 2025
Senator Raphael Warnock (D) also blamed Republicans for the impending government shutdown, stating that if they want his vote, they need to propose a bill that funds health care.
DC Republicans control Congress. They decide if the government stays open.
If they want my vote on their budget, they need to put forward a bill that funds health care.
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) September 29, 2025
