WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the federal government shutdown stretches into its 35th day-tying the record for the longest in U.S. history-Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined The Faulkner Focus on Fox News to call for immediate action and accountability from Senate Democrats. In a pointed interview, Britt criticized Democratic leadership for what she described as political obstruction and urged a return to responsible governance.
"The time for Democrats to act like adults is now," Britt said, referencing her recent conversation with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. "We've got to do our job for the American people. We cannot drag our feet and allow them to pay the price."
Britt Blames Democrats for Prolonging Shutdown
Britt expressed frustration over repeated votes by Senate Democrats against reopening the government, noting that they've rejected clean continuing resolutions (CRs) 14 times. She argued that these CRs would have funded essential services like WIC, SNAP benefits, and military pay.
"Well, first off, Harris, it's absolutely ridiculous that we're in this position," Britt told host Harris Faulkner. "Chuck Schumer talks about all of the damage that's being done across America because he is demanding a ransom payment ... that is absolutely despicable."
According to Britt, the Democratic leadership has prioritized political leverage over the needs of everyday Americans. "They have chosen to put their own political advantage over the people that they serve," she said.
Britt Highlights Republican Appropriations Progress
Senator Britt emphasized her role in advancing appropriations bills as a path forward. She noted that Republicans had passed three bills before the August recess, while Schumer had not brought a single appropriations bill to the floor.
"I've been proud to take a lead in talking about actually doing appropriations bills," Britt said. "If we're able to move that three-bill package forward, it would fund SNAP, it would fund our veterans, it would fund our Capitol Police. It would actually allow these things to function for the remainder of the year and get us back moving."
She framed the Republican approach as a practical solution to break the legislative gridlock and restore essential services.
Real-World Impact Across Alabama
Britt also spoke about the human cost of the shutdown, sharing stories from constituents across Alabama who are struggling to make ends meet.
"There is nowhere that I went across the state of Alabama where people didn't tell me a story about not being able to feed their family, not being able to pay their bills," she said. "Democrats need to realize there are real consequences, detrimental consequences, for hardworking Americans and Americans who need assistance because of their political games."
She warned that the shutdown cannot continue another week without causing further harm to vulnerable families and communities.
Conversations with Schumer and a Call for Leadership
In her closing remarks, Britt described recent discussions with Senator Schumer as "fruitful" but stressed the urgency of bipartisan cooperation.
"Those conversations are ultimately what breaks a logjam and allows our government to function," she said. "We have to open it up, and it needs to be now."
As the shutdown continues, Britt's message is clear: the time for political gamesmanship is over. She is calling on Senate Democrats to prioritize the needs of the American people and restore the basic functions of government.

Reader Comments(0)