Republicans push back against Democratic blame over federal government shutdown

Republicans are fighting back against Democrats’ accusations that they are somehow to blame for the federal government shutdown.

Rather, Republicans say U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and liberal-leaning members of their caucus are to blame, and they aren’t absolving Democratic U.S. House members from Ohio from criticism.

“House Republicans have already done our part to keep the government open and fund critical priorities like veterans’ care and border security,” Republican U.S. Rep. Max Miller told Ohio.News exclusively.

“Unfortunately, Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats are holding that progress hostage for political leverage,” Miller added. “The House has acted responsibly. The Senate needs to do the same so we can keep the government open and focused on serving the American people.”

In an email, Zach Bannon, the central regional press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee, called out Democratic U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, saying the federal lawmaker turned her back on America’s heroes.

“Out of touch Democrat Emilia Sykes voted to turn her back on veterans, cutting them off from the benefits they earned and dishonoring their sacrifices,” Bannon said in a statement. “Democrats can’t be trusted to respect our heroes or taxpayers’ money.”

The NRCC, which has publicly said it was to flip Sykes’ seat, charged that shutting down the federal government starting Oct. 1 would risk access for 681,106 Ohio veterans, saying that they would be unable to access the critical programs they have earned, including employment assistance, healthcare, and support services.

“I know how disruptive and stressful a government shutdown can be,” Sykes said in a statement. “That’s why I’m committed to keeping our community informed and supported throughout this period. Even during the shutdown, my office remains open and ready to help, and I encourage anyone struggling during this time to reach out for assistance.”

Howard Patterson, a 44-year-old DHL worker, saw the impact of the shutdown firsthand.

“I’m not political, and it’s affecting what we do,” Patterson told CNN outside the Wright Cycle Company Shop in Dayton, which was closed because of the government shutdown. “My family is more Democratic, but right now I kind of blame Democrats, because that’s who we’re waiting on.”

Legislative Action?

This week, state Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey, D-Columbus, introduced legislation to ensure ongoing funding for federal assistance programs, such as SNAP, TANF, and WIC, during a federal funding lapse.

“Our last government shutdown under this president lasted 35 days,” Humphrey said in a release. “My constituents—and Ohioans across this state—cannot have their benefits held hostage for that long. With no clear end in sight, we must act to protect families before it’s too late.”

At the federal level, Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno proposed the Stop Holding Up Tax-Payers, Deny Wages on Washington’s Negligence, or SHUTDOWN, Act. It would penalize members of Congress with a daily tax during a government shutdown.

“Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries want to get paid for shutting the government down,” Moreno said in a statement. “That’s ridiculous. If Congress can’t do the bare minimum, we don’t deserve a paycheck.”

In a Facebook post, Republican Kevin Coughlin, who lost to Sykes last year and is hoping for a rematch next year, squarely blamed the incumbent congresswoman for the shutdown, which he dubbed the “Sykes Shutdown” in a release.

“Emilia Sykes chose a shutdown over common sense,” Coughlin said in the post.

“She’s putting pay for servicemembers & law enforcement, support for veterans, disaster relief for Ohio, and Head Start programs all at risk because Democrats want to pay for health care for illegal aliens,” Coughlin added. “When I’m in Congress, there won’t be any more Sykes Shutdowns. I’ll put our community first—always.”