The government shutdown enters its second day, and Georgia Congressional Republicans and Democrats continue to argue over who’s truly responsible. Lawmakers have taken to X to air their grievances, posting a variety of rhetorical images and outright evidence to support their claims.
The narratives are largely the same as when the government initially shut down. Republicans believe that Democrats have allowed it to happen as an attempt to grandstand about healthcare. Democrats blame Republicans for refusing to negotiate and attempting to pass an unacceptable bill that lacks funding for healthcare.
Senator Raphael Warnock (D) took to X with evidence that health insurance premiums have risen in cost for Georgians, claiming that Republicans are responsible.
I was sent this by a Georgian this morning. 2025 premiums vs 2026 premiums for someone making $65k a year.
Republicans in Washington did this.
This is what I'm fighting to stop. This is what’s at stake in this shutdown fight. pic.twitter.com/mz8t9RvO3I
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) October 1, 2025
Representative Hank Johnson (D) took a different approach, posting a photo of a sign placed on his office doors. The sign blames President Donald Trump and Republicans for the shutdown but states that Johnson's office is open for the people.
Donald Trump and Republicans have shut down the federal government, but my office is open and working for the American people. pic.twitter.com/2iNnT2Q4w2
— Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) October 1, 2025
Representative Nikema Williams (D) shared a similar message when she appeared on ABC News for an interview, claiming that she has no intention of returning home until she secures health care funding for her constituents.
"I've been here. I am still here, ready and willing to do the work on behalf of the American people. I will not go home and tell the people that I represent that I was not willing to stand up for their health care." #RepublicanShutdown pic.twitter.com/J0LXuR31Mr
— Congresswoman Nikema Williams (@RepNikema) October 1, 2025
Representative Mike Collins (R) pinned the blame on Democrats and posted evidence that they included healthcare subsidies for illegal immigrants in their appropriations proposal. For the Georgia Republican, shutting the government down over this is completely unjustified.
This is why Democrats shut down the government. pic.twitter.com/hk4lfysvNF
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) October 1, 2025
Finally, Representative Buddy Carter (R) also took a different approach, posting a meme image claiming that Senator Jon Ossoff (D) and Democrats just like him are actually responsible for the government shutdown.
.@SenOssoff is fine not paying our troops if it means illegal immigrants get health care. pic.twitter.com/41PSKGp7S8
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) October 2, 2025