A former Democratic insider just shattered party loyalty with a bold call to action on the federal shutdown.
According to the Daily Caller, former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has publicly diverged from Democratic ranks, pressing Congress to reopen the government, which remains closed after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican spending bill early Wednesday and rejected a bipartisan proposal last week, while expressing deep concern for the 3 million federal workers caught in the political fray.
The shutdown saga began intensifying early Wednesday when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and most Democrats halted a Republican funding measure. This refusal to pass the bill kept federal operations in limbo, impacting countless public servants nationwide.
Appearing on "The Source With Kaitlan Collins," Johnson made a striking announcement. He aligned himself with Sen. John Fetterman and Sen. Angus King, declaring his intent to step away from the typical Democratic stance on this pressing issue.
Johnson pointed out a systemic flaw in the budget process. He highlighted that securing 60 votes in the Senate is essential for passage, yet fears the minority party’s habit of tying funding to unrelated critical matters will persist annually.
“I’m going to break from the party line here on this. I’m a Democrat,” Johnson stated. Isn’t it refreshing to see a party stalwart prioritize function over faction, even if it’s a rare sight in today’s polarized climate?
Johnson acknowledged the importance of affordable health care but voiced worry over its linkage to budget votes. He cautioned that this pattern could repeat every fall, stalling the government’s core duty to remain operational.
He underscored Congress’s fundamental role with clarity. “The most basic function of Congress is to fund the government, turn the lights on,” Johnson emphasized. Yet, shouldn’t lawmakers focus on this duty without turning it into a perennial bargaining chip for broader agendas?
Last week, Senate Democrats doubled down, rejecting a bipartisan funding plan for the fifth time. Despite three caucus members crossing over to support Republicans, the majority held firm, failing to muster the needed 60 votes to move forward.
Johnson’s motivation stems from past encounters with struggling workers. A TSA employee from West Orange, N.J., battling stage four cancer, once pleaded for her paycheck to cover medical co-pays, an experience that shaped his urgency to avoid shutdowns.
His empathy for federal employees shines through. He expressed concern for the 3 million public servants treated as pawns in this political tussle, unable to perform their vital roles while budgets remain stalled. Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana offered a sharp critique of Democratic tactics. He accused them of dragging out the closure by insisting on reinstating millions for what he called wasteful overseas projects, already cut from the budget by lawmakers.
Kennedy detailed specific expenditures Democrats demand be restored. These include $4 million for LGBTQ programs in the Balkans and Uganda, $3.6 million for dance workshops in Haiti, and $6 million for Palestinian media support, all previously axed from the plan.
The far-left wing of the party, per Kennedy, threatens to obstruct any agreement unless these funds return. Isn’t it curious that, amidst a crisis for American workers, some prioritize foreign initiatives over domestic stability?
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, a focus on national priorities often took center stage. While Johnson’s call to reopen the government echoes a practical conservatism, shouldn’t Congress heed this rare bipartisan plea and stop playing games with the livelihoods of millions?