Democrats have only hardened their position as the government shutdown enters its 23rd day, leaving Republican majorities in Congress with few answers — and many criticisms.

For the 12th time, Senate Democrats blocked the Republican Party’s government funding legislation this week without a single senator switching his or her vote.

Just three Democratic caucus members voted for the bill: John Fetterman, D-Pa.; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; and Angus King, I-Maine. That means Republicans are still five votes short of the 60-vote threshold to ensure passage of the bill, just as they have been since before the government shut down 23 days ago.

Democratic voters had pressured their party to take a more confrontational posture toward Trump in the shutdown battle. The new stance may be paying off with the party’s base.

    • MiddleAgesModem@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      6 days ago

      Extended shut downs usually go against the ruling party.

      They should hold the line and only compromise if they get real, serious concessions from the other side.

      • blakemiller@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        6 days ago

        I think it’s pretty common for Dems to fall victim to their own principles in moments where good strategy still exists. There’s nothing that says the GOP can’t change the rules to pass their funding bill with 51 votes. That’s the story Dems should be telling nonstop. This isn’t a Dem shutdown, the GOP possesses all the tools the need to get their agenda done — simply tell that story and let the GOP own it and Dems walk away winners.