What They're Saying: Government Shutdown

Welcome to Day 1 of the 2018 Government Shutdown.

Both chambers of Congress are in session this weekend trying to reach a deal to reopen the government after last night’s shutdown following a bitter impasse over spending and immigration.

Still, members on both sides of the aisle are finding time to tweet about the shutdown. Here’s what they’re saying:

President Donald Trump put the blame on the Democrats, tweeting:

Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Can’t let that happen!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018

Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined other Republicans in labeling it the "Schumer Shutdown" in dishonor of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer:

One year into the Trump presidency, Democrats can't shut down the booming Trump economy so they shut down the government instead. This is the behavior of obstructionist losers, not legislators. Do your job Democrats: fund our military and reopen our government #SchumerShutdown

— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 20, 2018

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likewise blamed Schumer and his party:

The United States of America is officially in Day 1 of a government shutdown, thanks to #Senate Democrats. pic.twitter.com/ePmf7cGaeF

— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) January 20, 2018

As for Sen. Schumer, the New York Democrat tweeted about the #TrumpShutdown:

Getting people together -- that’s just about the opposite of what he’s done in these negotiations. That's why we're in this #TrumpShutdown. pic.twitter.com/cYEuso8nXD

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 20, 2018

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) echoed Schumer’s remarks, tweeting:

Before he took office, @realDonaldTrump was happy to say the president owns the blame for a government shutdown. As President, he blames Democrats. That tells you all you need to know. #TrumpShutdown

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 19, 2018

But House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) wasn’t having any of that. He, too, echoed Schumer’s tweet:

In 2013—the last time we found ourselves in this position—here is what Senator Schumer said: "No matter how strongly one feels about an issue, you shouldn't hold millions of people hostage." He was right! You shouldn't. But that's exactly what he and his party are doing now. pic.twitter.com/nXfIzPGY1s

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 20, 2018

Mick Mulvaney, the Republican Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), weighed in on the dueling Twitter trends of "Schumer Shutdown" and “Trump Shutdown”

OMB Dir. Mick Mulvaney responds to dueling Twitter trends 'Schumer Shutdown' and 'Trump Shutdown': "My favorite is still a Schumer Shutdown, so, it has that nice little ring to it, doesn't it?" https://t.co/z7uidyMjOE pic.twitter.com/BpgKUFCSuL

— ABC News (@ABC) January 20, 2018

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI) pointed out that this would have been the first anniversary of Trump’s inauguration:

It is unfortunate that the first anniversary of @POTUS’ inauguration is marred by the #TrumpShutdown No one can remember a time when one party controlled the House, Senate, and @WhiteHouse and presided over a government shutdown. This is a serious failure of leadership.

— Colleen Hanabusa (@RepHanabusa) January 20, 2018

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), took a more bipartisan approach to the blame:

I am not going to support continuing this fiasco for 30 more days. It’s time Congress stop the cycle of dysfunction, grow up, and act consistent with the values of a great nation.https://t.co/bu3G0ih74F

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 19, 2018

And Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) also pushed for a bipartisan solution:

These constant crises are no way to govern&are a disservice to the people of Hawaii, our troops&our country. It’s long past time to stop kicking the can down the road, put aside partisan bickering, work through our differences & reopen the govt. The American people deserve better

— Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiPress) January 20, 2018

What do you think?

Now you know what they’re saying, what do you have to say? Hit Take Action and tell your reps what you think of the situation and what Congress should do to reopen the government. Then share your thoughts in the comments below.

Take Action

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• The Latest: Congress Scrambles to Reopen Government

• Government Shuts Down

• Four Weeks of Gov’t Funding, a Six-Year CHIP Renewal, and Delaying Obamacare Taxes

• What Really Happens in a Shutdown?

(Photo Credit: scottiebumich / iStock)