by Washington State Standard Staff, Washington State Standard
October 1, 2025
Members of Washington’s congressional delegation are largely sticking to their parties’ respective scripts as they respond to the federal government shutdown, with each side blaming the other for Congress’ failure to pass government funding legislation ahead of a midnight deadline on Tuesday.
The impasse currently centers on the U.S. Senate, where 60 votes are needed to advance the legislation. Washington’s two senators, both Democrats, voted against a Republican-backed seven-week funding patch that fell short Tuesday on a 55-45 vote. They supported a Democratic counterproposal that failed 47-53.
A major sticking point for Democrats is that they want to see the extension of expiring tax credits for people who purchase health insurance on Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Republicans want to negotiate on that issue separately.
Below is a roundup of statements that members of Washington’s congressional delegation have issued so far.
The Senators
Sen. Patty Murray
We have been calling for Republicans to work with us to keep the government funded, to address the health care crisis they created, and to stop people’s premiums from skyrocketing. Republicans haven’t just stuck their heads in the sand, they’ve outright refused to get serious about a solution.
Sen. Maria Cantwell
I heard Speaker Johnson on the television this morning saying that extending the ACA credits is a December issue. Well, it’s not really a December issue if people start in October and November making decisions and locking themselves into higher health insurance rates.
Floor remarks on Tuesday, via X
House Republicans
Rep. Dan Newhouse
The blame for the impending shutdown lies squarely on the shoulders of Senate Democrats. Their refusal to keep the government open will have devastating impacts on our farmers, veterans, and small business owners. Enough of the partisan games.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner
The Democrats should step back from their short-sighted plan to use a government shutdown to placate their base and attempt to expand Obamacare. It won’t work. Important Federal employees and tax-paying citizens will suffer as a result.
House Democrats
Rep. Suzan DelBene
Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House, and have led the country into a government shutdown. Families have been struggling to make ends meet as a direct result of Trump and Republican policies that have raised prices on everyday goods and slashed health care for millions.
There is a clear path forward out of this crisis – stop the health care cuts and extend the Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal
Democrats have been in Washington, D.C., ready to negotiate a bill that cancels the horrific Republican cuts, lowers costs, and saves health care. Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson sent his Members home to do fancy fundraisers with billionaires and refused to negotiate.
Once again, Republicans are choosing chaos over governing.
Rep. Adam Smith
Instead of working across the aisle to keep the government open and protect the services Americans rely on, Donald Trump and House Republicans forced a reckless government shutdown.
My Democratic colleagues and I remain ready to work today to reopen the government with a bipartisan agreement that protects health care and delivers real solutions for the American people.
Rep. Marilyn Strickland
Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House. They fully own 100% of the shutdown.
Rep. Kim Schrier
I know that a prolonged shutdown hurts all of us, especially working families, seniors, and our brave service members here in the Eighth District. I also cannot vote for a funding bill that is harmful to the people I represent.
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