News
November 16, 2025
Durbin defends shutdown vote, says it wasn’t coordinated with Schumer
Sen. Dick Durbin said he backed reopening the government to protect federal workers and to restore food assistance, arguing that he could not justify “playing with other people’s lives.”
Senator Dick Durbin has defended his vote to reopen the government, asserting that his decision was made independently and not in coordination with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Durbin emphasized that his primary motivation was to safeguard the livelihoods of federal employees and ensure the continued provision of vital food assistance programs.
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Durbin explained that he ultimately could not reconcile prolonging the government shutdown when the well-being of so many Americans was at stake. He stated that he felt a deep responsibility to those who rely on the government for their paychecks and for essential services like food assistance.
“The impact of a government shutdown extends far beyond the halls of Congress,” Durbin said. “We're talking about real people, families struggling to make ends meet, and dedicated public servants who are just trying to do their jobs. I couldn’t justify playing with other people’s lives.”
The senator acknowledged the ongoing debates and disagreements surrounding the issues that initially triggered the shutdown. However, he argued that these complex policy challenges should be addressed through negotiation and compromise, not by holding the government hostage and inflicting hardship on innocent citizens.
Durbin's vote to reopen the government came amidst a broader effort to end the gridlock that had paralyzed Washington for weeks. While some lawmakers remained steadfast in their demands, Durbin joined a growing chorus of voices urging a return to normalcy and a commitment to finding common ground. He maintained that his decision was a matter of conscience and a reflection of his commitment to serving the best interests of his constituents.
The shutdown had a ripple effect across the nation, impacting everything from air travel to national parks. Federal employees faced furloughs and uncertainty, while families relying on food assistance programs worried about their ability to put food on the table. Durbin's remarks highlight the human cost of political gridlock and underscore the importance of finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the country. He hopes that the reopening will allow for productive dialogue and a path forward that avoids future shutdowns.
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Durbin explained that he ultimately could not reconcile prolonging the government shutdown when the well-being of so many Americans was at stake. He stated that he felt a deep responsibility to those who rely on the government for their paychecks and for essential services like food assistance.
“The impact of a government shutdown extends far beyond the halls of Congress,” Durbin said. “We're talking about real people, families struggling to make ends meet, and dedicated public servants who are just trying to do their jobs. I couldn’t justify playing with other people’s lives.”
The senator acknowledged the ongoing debates and disagreements surrounding the issues that initially triggered the shutdown. However, he argued that these complex policy challenges should be addressed through negotiation and compromise, not by holding the government hostage and inflicting hardship on innocent citizens.
Durbin's vote to reopen the government came amidst a broader effort to end the gridlock that had paralyzed Washington for weeks. While some lawmakers remained steadfast in their demands, Durbin joined a growing chorus of voices urging a return to normalcy and a commitment to finding common ground. He maintained that his decision was a matter of conscience and a reflection of his commitment to serving the best interests of his constituents.
The shutdown had a ripple effect across the nation, impacting everything from air travel to national parks. Federal employees faced furloughs and uncertainty, while families relying on food assistance programs worried about their ability to put food on the table. Durbin's remarks highlight the human cost of political gridlock and underscore the importance of finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the country. He hopes that the reopening will allow for productive dialogue and a path forward that avoids future shutdowns.
Category:
Politics