Harris Condemns Democratic Tactics in Government Shutdown Debate

By Brian Freeman | Monday, 10 November 2025 10:04 AM EST
Rep. Mark Harris criticized the Democrats’ approach to the government shutdown, calling their stance “total nonsense” during an interview with Newsmax. The North Carolina Republican, a member of the House Education Committee, accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of causing unnecessary hardship for Americans. Harris stated that Schumer’s actions amounted to holding the public “hostage” without justification. He reiterated that the agreement to extend Obamacare subsidies had been previously offered to Democrats on September 30 and argued that the shutdown could have been avoided. Harris highlighted the unity among Republicans throughout the process and expressed confidence that the House would approve the compromise once the Senate voted. He also noted that eight Democrats had “finally come to their senses” by breaking from Schumer’s strategy, though he predicted the subsidy extension vote would fail despite ongoing discussions about alternatives.