Sen. John Cornyn on Government Shutdown: Democrats' Demands are 'Outrageous'

Stance on Government Shutdown

• 📌 Senator John Cornyn states that Republicans are willing to negotiate on any topic once the government is reopened.
• ⚠️ He criticizes the Democratic party's current demands as "outrageous" and an "overreach."
• 💡 Cornyn believes that capitulating to these demands now would set a negative precedent for future negotiations.

Potential Off-Ramps and Negotiations

• 🤝 Cornyn suggests that an offer to allow a vote on Obamacare could serve as a "face-saving device" for Democrats, who he believes are in a "box canyon."
• ✈️ He expresses openness to any solution that would reopen the government and ensure federal employees, including military personnel and air traffic controllers, are paid.
• 🗣️ Cornyn notes that Senator Schumer may be hesitant to reach a deal due to fear of backlash from the progressive base within his party.

Bipartisan Dynamics and Appropriations

• 📉 Cornyn observes a lack of typical bipartisan cooperation in the current situation.
• 🏛️ He finds it "silly" and "stupid" that agreement can be reached on a defense appropriations bill but not on reopening the government.

Foreign Policy and Aid

• 🇺🇸 Regarding a reported $20 billion bailout to Argentina, Cornyn states he doesn't know the details but is open to considering aid to friends and allies, especially in Latin America where US influence is challenged by China and Russia.

Political Allegations and Investigations

• 🏛️ Cornyn acknowledges allegations of political targeting within the IRS but states he doesn't know if they are true, suggesting the Finance Committee should investigate.
• ⚖️ He emphasizes that the government, including the IRS, should not be used for political purposes and trusts the Department of Justice to make independent judgments on investigations and prosecutions, even when called for by the President.
• ❓ Cornyn has no knowledge of allegations against John Bolton but asserts that the law applies to everyone equally.