As the government shutdown continues, tensions are rising between Senator Patty Murray and Representative Michael Baumgartner over who holds responsibility.
During a recent interaction with a reporter, Senator Murray commented on her communication with Washington state’s two Republican representatives, Baumgartner and Dan Newhouse. She stated that the conversations have been nonexistent.
Representative Baumgartner responded on social media, asserting that the House has already completed its work to lift the shutdown.
“Combined, Chuck Schumer and Patty Murray have been there [the Senate] for nearly 80 years,” Baumgartner said. “They know what’s goin on right now and who’s gonna suffer from this government shutdown. You know, it’s these federal employees, it’s the people that depend on the services and it’s our military service members who are gonna start losing paychecks if there’s not a budget deal by next week.”
A key issue in the ongoing debate is the accusation from Republicans that Democrats are attempting to allow undocumented immigrants to receive healthcare benefits. Senator Murray has denied these claims.
Baumgartner insists that the text of the Democrats’ bill includes a move to remove a Republican provision that blocks undocumented immigrants from accessing those benefits.
