Second Shutdown Imminent: Kustoff Calls for Senate Democrats to Learn from Past Mistakes

Representative David Kustoff warned Tuesday that another damaging government shutdown could occur if Senate Democrats fail to learn from their actions last year and refuse cooperation on pending spending bills.

Kustoff stated that the 43-day government shutdown last year severely impacted his constituents, including law enforcement, military personnel, air traffic controllers, and TSA agents. He described the event as “harmful” and attributed it directly to Democratic decisions.

“We hope to vote on two more [spending bills], maybe this week, maybe tomorrow,” Kustoff said. “But we’ll see what type of cooperation we get from the Democrats.” He emphasized that House Republicans are advancing appropriations efforts, with six of twelve required spending bills already passed in the House and additional votes targeted before January 30.

Kustoff urged Senate Democrats to heed the political and economic consequences of the previous shutdown, stressing that Senator Schumer’s leadership choices would determine whether government operations remain uninterrupted. “Hopefully, they learn the lesson from what they did in October and November,” he said. “But we’ll have to see how Sen. Schumer wants to lead his party—and whether he chooses to shut down the government again.”

The representative also highlighted a severe fraud scandal in Minnesota, calling for Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify before Congress. “The American people are entitled to hear from not only Gov. Walz but the attorney general of Minnesota,” Kustoff added. “Let’s shine a bright light on what’s happened in Minnesota because it’s the taxpayers’ money.”

Kustoff noted that similar issues may exist across multiple states, underscoring the necessity for congressional oversight to restore public trust and accountability.