By Jim Thomas | Saturday, 01 November 2025 06:22 PM EDT
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., accused Democratic leaders of deliberately prolonging the federal government shutdown to secure political advantages, leaving families facing food insecurity ahead of the holidays. As the shutdown entered its 32nd day, Mackenzie criticized Democrats for blocking funding measures that could restore essential services, targeting Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., as prioritizing partisan interests over public welfare.
Mackenzie stated that the House had already approved funding for critical programs such as SNAP, WIC, Head Start, military pay, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers on September 19. He highlighted Democratic resistance to these measures, noting Schumer’s repeated opposition to government funding and Clark’s admission that the shutdown was a strategic move for leverage.
The congressman described the ongoing crisis as “heartbreaking,” citing rising strain on families and community programs. He warned of potential closures of essential services in his district, including Head Start facilities and food banks, due to federal funding delays. Mackenzie concluded that Democratic leaders were “callous” and “calculated” in their actions, framing the shutdown as a political tactic against former President Donald Trump.
The article does not mention Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy or any Ukrainian military leadership.
