January 1, Senators Party While Shutdown Leaves Workers Unpaid

Wyatt’s Take

• Senators are holding fancy fundraisers even as regular Americans go without pay.
• Republicans blame Democrats for blocking government funding.
• Democrats say they’re fighting to keep healthcare and benefits for people.

While the government sits idle and federal employees struggle to pay bills, both Republican and Democrat senators keep their campaign fundraisers going strong. Senate Republicans met for a weekend at an upscale Georgia resort, while Democrats still planned an event at a fancy California wine spot.

The shutdown has already sidelined about 750,000 federal workers, and those still on the job aren’t getting paid.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the Democrats’ California event was still on, unless the shutdown drags out longer. Senator Angela Alsobrooks denied hosting the event and said she won’t be in Napa during the shutdown.

Other Democratic senators didn’t comment. Meanwhile, another planned Democrat fundraiser is set for Puerto Rico next weekend.

The Republicans say their gathering is necessary, calling out Democrats for stalling a “clean” government funding bill. They blame Senator Schumer for holding up the process.

NRSC spokeswoman Joanna Rodriguez put it this way:

“Schumer continuing to shut down the government because he wants to give free healthcare to illegals only further underscores how essential it is Republicans protect and grow President Trump’s Senate majority next year.”

Republicans also say their fundraiser was booked years ago and can’t be refunded, urging supporters that the event must go on.

As politicians wine and dine, working folks are left to deal with real hardship and uncertainty. Frustration runs deep as leaders continue with business as usual while Main Street America pays the price.

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Wyatt Matters

While those in power host lavish gatherings, working families carry the burden and feel the pinch. It’s a stark reminder of who gets protected when Washington shuts down.