Blackburn: Democrats voting against previously supported funding

WASHINGTON D.C., – With the government shutdown ending its 22nd day, Senator Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, said the shutdown is the result of Democrats voting against the same funding measures they have already supported in the past. She said the Democrats continuing to refuse a vote that would open the government is intentional and an attempt for control and leverage.

10/1/25 — picture shows Blackburn as she delivers remarks on the Senate floor

“We would very much like to get the government open and the Democrats have voted for these funding levels five times. Not once or twice, but five times,” said Blackburn. “This is their old budget numbers. What we have said is it’s a clean CR (Continuing Resolution), so it’s really nothing to negotiate on this. There was nothing added. It’s a continuation of current funding levels so we could finish the appropriations process and move to an actual budget.”

Blackburn said 8 out of the 11 bills that came out of the appropriations committee were bi-partisan bills. She said the government shutdown is not a partisan process.

“This is, indeed, the Schumer shutdown,” said Blackburn. “He has said it’s because of you are going to have some enhanced Biden-Covid era subsidies for the Obamacare exchange that are going to expire at the end of the year.”

She said the subsidies were put in place during Covid by the Democrats. The Democrats decided the subsidies would expire in 2025, but are not trying to make it permanent.

Blackburn said Obamacare recipients will receive the subsidies they are already receiving but would not receive the enhanced version of the subsidies. She said the Democrats are now voting against things that they previously approved.

“They’re fussing over things they put in place and basically they have gone on strike,” said Blackburn. “Even though they know the military, law enforcement are not being paid, federal workers are not being paid, and even though they know SNAP benefits will expire, they continue to say the pain is worth it because they want leverage.”

She said the Senate Republicans continue to ask the Democrats to come to the table and get the bi-partisan appropriations voted on and approved so the government can re-open.

Blackburn said the Affordable Care Act is unaffordable for most people and people are ending up paying for things they do not use. She said the GOP is asking to put choice and options in the marketplace and make sure everyone can afford healthcare.

“We would love to have that discussion, but right now we have some Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, who has wanted this Schumer shutdown and they are not willing to vote to reopen the government so discussions can be held,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn said there is a bill from Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wis, the Senate will take up for a vote on Thursday, October 23, and she said the Republicans are hopeful they have enough votes to pass it. Blackburn said if the bill passes then it would re-open the government.

“We would like to move forward on that bill and it is a bill that would prevent this shutdown,” said Blackburn. “It would put us on a Continuing Resolution.”

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