According to the White House, the government shutdown is the direct result of actions taken by Democrats in Congress. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the Democrats “officially shut down” the government. She detailed that House Republicans had proposed a straightforward, non-partisan measure to continue government funding through November 21st. However, the bill faced opposition from almost all Democratic senators. Leavitt emphasized that the proposed legislation was similar to a bill Democrats previously approved. She added that Democrats had a history of approving such funding bills while in the majority during Joe Biden’s administration. Leavitt accused the Democrats of “pure partisan politics.” She specifically criticized their stance on funding healthcare for undocumented immigrants. The White House asserted the U.S. could not financially support such a program due to the national debt. The shutdown happened because Congress couldn’t agree on a funding plan. Republicans want Democrats to simply agree to the funding extension. Democrats, however, are demanding significant concessions before voting for a funding bill in the Senate. Democratic leaders Jeffries and Schumer have directed blame toward Trump and Republicans.
