Two Democratic senators have recently sparked controversy by asserting that the prolonged government shutdown was ultimately “worth it.” The shutdown, which occurred due to Democratic opposition to reopening the government over healthcare provisions for undocumented immigrants and $1.5 trillion in partisan demands, has been a contentious issue.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) highlighted the remarks made by Senators John Hickenlooper of Colorado and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, criticizing them for endorsing a shutdown that left many vulnerable citizens at risk and deprived countless Americans of their paychecks and benefits for an extended period. The RNC shared a video clip in which both senators affirmed that the longest government shutdown in U.S. history was justified.
In the clip, when questioned about whether the shutdown was worthwhile, Sen. John Hickenlooper expressed a conflicted yet affirmative perspective. “Yeah, I think so,” he said. “I hate it, but yeah, it was worth it, definitely.” He further explained that the shutdown succeeded in drawing attention to critical issues, stating, “We got people to pay attention to the fact that this is a traumatic, in many cases, life or death situation for people all over this country.”
Similarly, Sen. Jack Reed, after a moment of hesitation, concurred with Hickenlooper’s assessment. “I think it was because I think the perception — we made it clear that it’s not just a healthcare issue, but the whole issue,” Reed stated, suggesting that the shutdown served a broader purpose beyond just healthcare.
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) hesitated before concluding that yes, it was worth it to him as well.
“I think it was because I think the perception — we made it clear that it’s not just a healthcare issue, but the whole issue,” he said.
WATCH:
As – News documented, Democrats voted against reopening the government over a dozen times, all while placing blame on Republicans, who offered a clean continuing resolution (CR). House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) repeatedly explained throughout the shutdown that Democrat demands to reopen the government included billions in partisan spending, including $3.9 million for LGBTQI+ democracy grants in the Western Balkans.
“It’s after 40 days of wandering in the wilderness and making the American people suffer needlessly,” Johnson said this week as the end is in sight.
“It appears to us this morning that our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end, and we’re grateful for that. At least some Democrats now finally appear ready to do what Republicans and President Trump and millions of hard-working American people have been asking them to do for weeks,” he added.
“That was never right. Shutting down the government never produces anything,” the Speaker added.
Last month, Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), the number two ranking House Democrat, admitted that allowing families to suffer under the shutdown was all about leverage.
The shutdown officially ended Wednesday evening after President Donald Trump signed legislation to reopen the government, ending the 43-day Democrat shutdown.
