Democrat: The Party of the Shutdown, by the Shutdown and for the Shutdown
By Dr. Richard M. Swier, LTC U.S. Army (Ret.)
A senior Democratic aide said they will not reopen the government short of “planes falling out of the sky,” as long as public perception is in their favor, according to CNN.
WATCH: This video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is playing in airports across the country
TORRE in a column titled US Democrats won’t end shutdown unless ‘planes fall out of the sky’ – CNN. reports:
Over 9,000 flights have already been canceled or delayed due to a shortage of air traffic controllers across the country
Democrats have said they will not agree to end the US government shutdown unless Republicans meet their demands, with one senior aide telling CNN it would take an airline catastrophe for the party to back down.
The federal government shut down on October 1 after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill in the Senate. The impasse has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay as the standoff enters its second week.
The shutdown has also disrupted air travel across the country. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data, more than 9,000 flights have been delayed or canceled amid a shortage of air traffic controllers.
Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers and must continue working without pay, which has led to widespread absences and temporary closures at several major airports.
Nevertheless, Democratic leaders have told CNN they will hold their position until Republicans agree to extend Affordable Care Act healthcare subsidies. One anonymous senior Democratic aide told the outlet that as long as public perception remains in their favor, the party “will not concede short of planes falling out of the sky” – a remark that has drawn widespread criticism.
SHOCKING: A senior Democratic aide said they will not reopen the government short of “planes falling out of the sky,” as long as public perception is in their favor, according to CNN.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “Democrats are now saying that unless “planes… pic.twitter.com/0TJV4YXFLl— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) October 10, 2025
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has also condemned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for reportedly saying that “every day of the shutdown makes it better for us,” accusing the Democrat of forcing Americans to suffer for political gain.
Schumer has accused the Republicans of “risking America’s healthcare” and refusing to negotiate in good faith.
The Party of the Shutdown, by the Shutdown and for the Shutdown
Key Impacts of the 2025 Government Shutdown:
- Essential Services: Critical services like air traffic control, Social Security, and veterans’ healthcare will continue, but many federal agencies are operating with reduced staff. For instance, the CDC, NIH, and FDA will have fewer personnel available to monitor health issues and conduct inspections, potentially impacting public health and safety.
- Public Services: National parks remain open but with minimal staffing, leading to fewer services for visitors, such as trail maintenance and ranger programs. Passport and visa processing will slow down, affecting international travel plans.
- Economic Consequences: The shutdown could cost the economy billions, particularly affecting local economies where federal workers reside. While federal employees typically receive back pay after a shutdown, contractors and businesses reliant on government contracts may not receive compensation, leading to broader economic repercussions.
- Political Context: The shutdown stems from a partisan dispute over healthcare funding, with Democrats advocating for the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republicans seek to separate these discussions from government funding. This political stalemate has led to the current funding impasse.
Conclusion
The ongoing government shutdown in 2025 is having widespread effects on federal operations, employee livelihoods, and public services.
The longer the shutdown persists, the more pronounced these impacts will become.
Affecting not only government functions but also the daily lives of citizens and the overall economy.
The 2026 midterm elections will be held on November 3, 2026.
Remember that the Republican Party is of the people, by the people and for the people.
2025 Dr. Richard M. Swier, LTC U.S. Army (Ret.). All rights reserved.
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