Rep. Ryan Mackenzie Accuses Democrats of Political Gamesmanship Over Government Shutdown

By Jim Thomas | Saturday, 01 November 2025 06:22 PM EDT

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., criticized Democrats for obstructing government funding measures during a federal shutdown that has lasted 32 days, accusing them of prioritizing political gain over the needs of American families. Speaking to Newsmax, Mackenzie claimed Democrats have “had the opportunity to do the right thing” but “refused to do it,” citing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark as key figures in blocking funding for essential services.

Mackenzie argued that the House had already approved measures to fund programs like SNAP, WIC, and Head Start earlier in the year, while Democrats allegedly delayed action to leverage political advantages. “This is a long time that they’ve had the opportunity to do the right thing,” he said. “They refused to do it, and they’re very transparent about it.”

The congressman highlighted statements from Democratic leaders as evidence of their strategy. He cited Clark’s remarks about using the shutdown for “leverage” and Schumer’s claim that conditions improve with each passing day of the government closure, which he dismissed as inaccurate. Mackenzie also criticized President Donald Trump’s proposed emergency funding, suggesting it underscored a broader political conflict.

He described the impact of the shutdown as “heartbreaking,” noting growing strain on families, empty food banks, and potential closures of local programs like Head Start in his district. “The Democrats know what they’re doing,” he said. “It’s very callous. It’s very calculated.” Mackenzie concluded by attributing the crisis to a broader resistance against Trump’s policies.