Rep. Pat Harrigan on Government Shutdown: Democrats Must Pass a Clean Continuing Resolution

Republican Stance on Government Shutdown

• 📌 House Republicans have passed a clean continuing resolution twice, fulfilling their responsibility.
• 🎯 The current shutdown is attributed to Senate Democrats, with three Democrats currently voting with Republicans, and four more needed to pass the resolution.
• 🏛️ Republicans argue that passing a continuing resolution 13 times in the last four years, 12 under the Biden administration, demonstrates a willingness to compromise.

Criticisms of Democratic Approach

• 🗣️ Congressman Harrigan labels the shutdown a "Schumer shutdown" and a "Democrat shutdown."
• 🎭 Democrats are accused of throwing a "temper tantrum" by not voting for measures they previously supported.
• 🤝 The call is for Democrats to show the same respect Republicans have shown by passing continuing resolutions during the Biden administration.

Impact and Public Perception

• 📉 Harrigan cites a significant decrease in constituent calls to his office, while calls to Democratic colleagues have increased, suggesting the public holds Democrats accountable.
• ⚠️ Despite poll numbers, Harrigan believes the American people are holding Democrats responsible for the shutdown.
• 🚫 It is argued that government shutdowns are not beneficial for anyone, especially the American people.

Proposed Solution

• 🤝 The core proposal is for Democrats to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government.
• 🗓️ Policy negotiations should occur when the government is operational, not during a shutdown.
• ✅ Passing the resolution and then engaging in discussions is presented as the responsible path forward.