GOP Senator Kevin Cramer on Government Shutdown and Paying Essential Workers

Government Shutdown Stalemate

• 🏛️ Democrats are accused of using the government shutdown as leverage to pass other policies, even at the expense of paying federal workers and military personnel.
• 💡 Senator Cramer criticizes this tactic, stating that Democrats see paying essential workers as leverage, a sentiment attributed to Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer.
• ⏳ The current continuing resolution (CR) is insufficient, and more time is needed to pass appropriations bills, even if an omnibus bill is considered.

Republican Efforts and Democratic Opposition

• 🎯 Republicans aim to pass appropriations bills in a bipartisan manner, with the House having passed 12 separate bills and three off the floor.
• 🚫 Democrats have slowed cooperation, even opposing appropriations for national defense, which Cramer deems the most legitimate function of the federal government.
• 🤝 Cramer believes Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is targeting Senator Susan Collins due to her high re-election risk, contributing to the partisan gridlock.

Addressing Essential Worker Pay

• 💰 A key test for Democrats will be their support for Ron Johnson's "Shutdown Fairness Act", which guarantees payment to essential workers, potentially retroactively.
• 🇺🇸 This bill includes pay for border patrol, ICE, federal law enforcement, the FBI, and military personnel who are working but not receiving salaries.
• 💔 Cramer expresses heartbreak over essential workers, including Capital Police, continuing to work without pay, highlighting their dedication and positive attitude.

Path Forward and Presidential Demands

• 🗣️ President Trump has signaled a willingness to meet with Democratic leaders, but only if they reopen the government first.
• 🤝 Cramer asserts that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are in sync and working closely together.
• 🚪 While the House may need to reconvene for other legislative business and to swear in new members, Cramer believes there is a path forward to resolve the shutdown.