The vice president’s remarks come amid an impasse over a proposed $1.5 trillion in new spending, the extension of pandemic-era emergency programs, and funding that would expand healthcare benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Republicans argue that these measures are excessive and irresponsible at a time when the national debt continues to balloon. Democrats, meanwhile, claim the spending is necessary to support working families, strengthen healthcare, and prevent economic backsliding.
“These aren’t just unreasonable requests,” he said. “They’re politically toxic. Americans are tired of paying for Washington’s bad habits — and it’s time Democrats woke up to that reality.”
“You Don’t Shut the Government Down Over Policy Disagreements”
Vance’s most forceful criticism centered on the principle of governance itself.
“You don’t shut the government down because you have a policy disagreement,” he said firmly. “There are essential services that have already been appropriated — our military, air traffic control, food benefits for families. These are not up for debate. The idea that Democrats would let those programs lapse just to win a political argument is astonishing.”
He pointed out that House Republicans had already passed what he called a “clean funding bill,” one that would have kept the government running while negotiations continued on broader policy issues. According to Vance, it was Senate Democrats who refused to advance the measure, forcing the shutdown.
