Senator Katie Britt Highlights Shutdown Impacts, Crime Policy, and Agriculture in National Interviews

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 16, 2025 - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) appeared on CNN's The Lead with Jake Tapper and Fox Business's The Bottom Line this week to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, public safety, and the future of American agriculture. In both interviews, Britt delivered pointed criticism of Senate Democrats while voicing strong support for the Trump administration's policies on crime and rural economic development.

On the Government Shutdown: "A Political Stunt at the Expense of the People"

Senator Britt placed blame for the ongoing federal shutdown squarely on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democratic colleagues, accusing them of using federal workers as "pawns" in a political game.

"It is Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats who are utilizing the federal workforce as pawns," Britt said. "Unfortunately, Chuck Schumer and his colleagues have chosen to play politics, and they've done that, obviously, with the lives of federal workers."

Britt emphasized that Republicans had offered a clean continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government and keep essential services running, but Democrats rejected it in favor of what she described as political theater.

"We came forth again today and said, let's fund the government with a clean CR," she said. "At the same time, we see Chuck Schumer just prepping for his No Kings rally on Saturday. So, our focus here couldn't be greater on the American people. Theirs is about trying to preserve Chuck Schumer in his next election."

She also highlighted the real-world consequences of the shutdown, citing conversations with constituents who are struggling to access veterans' services and nutrition programs for women and children.

"These are the people paying the price," Britt said. "At the end of the day, this is a political stunt. It's one that's gone on 15 days too long. And the American people are paying the price for Chuck Schumer's insecurities."

On Crime and Public Safety: "America First Means Safer Communities"

Turning to public safety, Britt praised the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on crime and drug trafficking, tying the results to the broader "America First" agenda.

"This is what the America First agenda means," she said. "That means people want to live in safe and strong communities. President Trump didn't just talk about it on the campaign trail-he is putting that into action now."

Britt cited statistics on arrests, fugitive captures, and fentanyl seizures as evidence that the administration's policies are making a measurable difference.

"There is no doubt that people can sleep better at night knowing that this country is safer and stronger as a result of President Trump's leadership," she added. "We're going to hold people accountable, and we're going to make our safe streets safer and stronger."

On Agriculture: "Food Security Is National Security"

Britt also used both interviews to spotlight the importance of American agriculture and the Trump administration's support for farmers. She contrasted President Trump's approach with what she described as neglect under President Biden.

"President Trump has our agriculture community's back," Britt said. "He understands the grit that our family farmers put in every single day ... and he's going to make sure that they can continue to do what they're doing best."

She pointed to challenges farmers have faced in recent years-from fertilizer shortages to workforce constraints-and praised Trump's efforts to address them through tax policy and trade expansion.

"For years, we've seen Joe Biden turn a blind eye to our agriculture community," she said. "President Trump in the [Working Family Tax Cuts bill] said, 'We see you,' and we are going to make sure that we change this."

Britt concluded by tying agricultural resilience to national security.

"We have a lot of things that we have moving to make sure that our agriculture community has what it needs to feed and clothe America," she said. "Because we know that food security is national security."

Looking Ahead

Senator Britt's dual appearances on CNN and Fox Business reflect her growing national profile and her role as a vocal advocate for conservative priorities in the Senate. As the shutdown continues and the 2026 election cycle approaches, Britt is expected to remain a key voice on issues ranging from fiscal responsibility to rural development.