Sen. Jon Husted sharply criticized Democrats for prolonging the ongoing government shutdown, calling it the result of what he termed the “Schumer shutdown” during an interview Tuesday on Newsmax.
The shutdown, now in its 28th day, has left more than a million federal workers without pay and shuttered key government services. The Ohio Republican told Newsmax’s “National Report” that Democrat leaders, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., are responsible for the impasse, accusing them of lacking a plan to end the standoff.
“He had a shutdown strategy, but he doesn’t have an exit strategy,” Husted said. “Now real people are going to get hurt.”
The senator emphasized that the consequences of the prolonged closure extend far beyond political theater. Military personnel, air traffic controllers, and Homeland Security employees are among those still working without pay.
Husted warned that millions of lower-income Americans could soon lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the shutdown continues.
Husted urged Democrats to support a “clean continuing resolution,” saying Republicans have already voted for such a measure a dozen times. “Democrats have voted no every time,” he said. “It’s time to end this and restore funding to the people who have been working hard.”
He added that he has refused his own congressional pay during the shutdown, saying lawmakers should not receive salaries while federal employees go unpaid.
Husted’s comments came after the American Federation of Government Employees, the nation’s largest federal workers’ union, which has traditionally aligned with Democrats, issued a statement calling for an immediate end to the shutdown.
The union described the situation as a “national disgrace,” urging Congress to “pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today.”
The union’s rebuke adds pressure to both parties as public frustration grows. A recent Gallup poll found congressional approval had dropped from 26% to 15% over the past month, reflecting widespread discontent with Washington’s gridlock.
Responding to Democrat criticism that Republicans are neglecting healthcare concerns, Husted dismissed claims that the shutdown is linked to rising insurance premiums. He said Democrats are “obstructing” efforts to reopen the government while continuing to defend what he called the “failed” Affordable Care Act.
“Reopen the government, then let’s get serious about fighting for lower healthcare costs for the American people,” Husted said.
As the shutdown nears a full month, both sides face mounting pressure from federal workers, unions, and voters demanding resolution. Husted said he remains hopeful that “five more Democrats” could join Republicans to end the stalemate.
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