Rep. Andy Harris Condemns Democratic Delay in Ending Government Shutdown

By Newsmax Wires | Friday, 31 October 2025 09:08 PM EDT

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., criticized Democrats for prolonging the government shutdown, stating they will only act after Tuesday’s elections in Virginia and New Jersey. He accused the party of prioritizing political gains over addressing the crisis.

Harris highlighted the impact of the 31-day shutdown on millions of Americans, particularly those reliant on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. “I do think that’s what’s going to happen, and it’s a shame that they’re waiting for an election in Virginia to reopen the government,” he said. “But 41 million people are not going to have their food stamps tomorrow.”

Key labor groups, including the Teamsters and the American Federation of Government Employees, are urging Democrats to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) to end the shutdown, Harris noted. He argued that Senate Democrats could resolve the issue immediately by voting to reopen the government, ensuring SNAP benefits resume by Sunday.

The shutdown began after most Senate Democrats blocked a House-backed CR extending funding through Nov. 21. They are demanding changes to include Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year’s end. Harris dismissed claims that Republicans are responsible for the crisis, stating, “We voted five weeks ago to continue SNAP benefits, to not have a shutdown. This is just crazy.”

He also criticized Democrats for pursuing legal action to force the president to use reserve funds for SNAP, calling their approach reckless and politically motivated.