STATEMENT: Senator Blunt Rochester Releases Statement on the Republican Shutdown

September 30, 2025

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) tonight released a statement on the impending Republican government shutdown.

"For several months, Democrats have remained ready to negotiate responsibly and keep the government open. Democratic leadership has repeatedly asked Republicans to come to the table to engage in good-faith negotiations that allow both sides to advocate for our constituents. However, President Trump and congressional Republicans have declined to meet with us. And, in the final hour, Senate Republicans refuse to engage, House Republicans have left Washington, and President Trump is posting offensive content about Democratic leaders on social media. That is not leadership, particularly in times of challenge.

"Democrats have been clear: we want to restore the health care that was stripped from our constituents in the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' to give tax handouts to corporations and the wealthy. If Congress doesn't act, millions of Americans risk seeing their health care costs double. Any deal we agree to must restore health care to hard-working Americans.

"Additionally, we made clear that any attempt to claw back congressionally approved funding by this Administration is a direct assault on our Constitution - which we will continue to fight for.

"Unfortunately, Republicans have refused to listen to any of our terms. Instead, they've chosen to shut down the government and inflict even further economic pain on the American people, despite the President pledging to lower costs on Day One.

"President Trump and congressional Republicans are in familiar territory. They caused the longest shutdown in history in 2018, and they are responsible for the shutdown today. I urge my Republican colleagues to step up, treat this moment with the seriousness it deserves, and get to work on behalf of American families."

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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.