Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island emphasized the need for Democrats to resolve internal conflicts swiftly. He explained that Republicans presented Democrats with a difficult decision: either support a continuing resolution or face a government shutdown, which could lead to significant cuts to federal operations.
In a conversation with Martha Raddatz on "This Week," Whitehouse noted that previous shutdowns saw the executive branch pushing for a resolution, but under President Trump's administration, a shutdown could be exploited. He warned that with certain extremists in control, there might be no urgency to end a shutdown, using it instead to undermine the government under the guise of legitimate authority.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats sided with Republicans to pass the resolution, a move that sparked criticism within the party and calls for leadership changes.
Whitehouse highlighted the importance of unity, stating that internal disputes hinder the party's ability to protect democracy. He urged Democrats to cease internal conflicts and focus on their broader goals.
He defended Schumer and others who supported the resolution, acknowledging their decision as thoughtful and principled. Whitehouse stressed that understanding the risks of a shutdown makes their choice more comprehensible.
He dismissed the notion of internal blame, emphasizing the need for Democrats to regroup and concentrate on their legislative responsibilities.