Since the government shutdown began on October 1, journalists submitting inquiries to the US State Department have been receiving automatic responses indicating that delays are related to funding disputes caused by Congressional Democrats.
Media representatives are informed with a message that states, “Thank you for your inquiry. Please note that government shutdowns caused by Congressional Democrats may delay responses.”
Assistant Deputy Spokesman Tommy Piggott highlighted this issue in a statement made to Breitbart News, emphasizing that the shutdown was instigated by Democrats.
“It’s not partisan to point out the obvious. Democrats are accountable for the impending shutdown,” he remarked.
Republicans in Congress assert that Democrats are responsible for the shutdown, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) calling out what he terms a “hypocrisy explosion” based on their own statements.
Nearly a year ago, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed concern about the impact of government shutdowns on everyday Americans.
“If the government shuts down, it’s ordinary citizens who will suffer the most. It can disrupt the lives of those relying on social security,” he stated back in September 2024. He went on to criticize “hard Republicans” and “MAGA Radicals.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries shared a similar sentiment in December 2024, warning that a government shutdown would negatively affect families and farmers.
Yet Schumer and Jeffries seem to have shifted their stance, leading Democrats to block efforts by Republicans to advance a version of the Continuous Resolution (CR). Instead, they’ve introduced their own funding proposals seeking an additional $1.4 trillion, reportedly intended for significant left-leaning initiatives including free healthcare for undocumented immigrants, along with funding for NPR and PBS, according to reports.
If the CR isn’t passed by Tuesday night, Wednesday will mark the beginning of government shutdowns.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) commented that Schumer has instigated the shutdown, suggesting that the congressional primary from AOC has implications.
“His actions are dishonorable,” added the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee in a statement released Monday.
