John Barrasso Criticizes Democratic Senator's 22-Hour Speech Amid Government Shutdown

Barrasso's Critique of Merkley's Speech

• 🎯 Senator John Barrasso describes Senator Jeffrey Merkley's 22-hour speech on the Senate floor as "rubbish," noting it included reciting poetry and discussing White House renovations.
• ❓ Barrasso questions what Democrats have accomplished, highlighting that the government remains closed and Capitol police and support staff are not being paid.

Government Shutdown and Unpaid Staff

• 🚫 An article from the Daily Caller is cited, stating that Democrats are refusing to pay Capitol police and support staff during the shutdown.
• 🚨 Despite the lack of pay, these staff were forced to work overnight to allow a lawmaker to speak against the Trump administration.
• 💰 Staffers missed their first paycheck on Monday, and Capitol police were also at risk of not receiving their salaries.

Merkley's Speech Content and Context

• 🗣️ Senator Merkley's speech, described as a "22 and counting screed," targeted President Donald Trump and his policies, including the deployment of the National Guard to Portland.
• 💬 Merkley denied that violence had occurred outside an ICE facility in Portland, despite numerous arrests, and characterized the protests as demonstrations of "joy and whimsy."
• 🤝 Senator Andy Kim joined Merkley, praising him for highlighting alleged "authoritarianism" by the Trump administration.

Democratic Stance on Funding and Shutdowns

• 📉 Merkley and Kim have voted with Senate leadership to keep the government shuttered for 22 days.
• ⚠️ Republicans criticize the Democrats' actions, arguing it is unfair to unpaid staff and officers.
• 🏛️ Barrasso notes that Senators' pay is protected by the US Constitution, contrasting with the unpaid staff.
• 🗳️ He mentions that Democrats are expected to filibuster a Republican-sponsored bill to pay military and federal employees.

Precedent for Extended Speeches

• 🎤 The article notes that Merkley's speech follows other instances of Democrats staging all-night speeches, such as Senator Cory Booker's lengthy address in April to protest the President.
• 🇺🇸 Barrasso concludes that Americans deserve better than what he characterizes as Democratic "rubbish."