Amid Near-Month-Long Shutdown, U.S. Parties Continue Mutual Blame

October 29, 2025 - As the U.S. federal government shutdown reached its 29th day, top Republicans and Democrats publicly continued their mutual accusations. House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Democrats for the shutdown, stating it has caused growing difficulties for Americans and called Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries "hopeless".

Jeffries countered, asserting the government has the ability to prevent hunger but Republicans are choosing to withhold funding to punish ordinary people. Meanwhile, Republican Senator John Thune claimed federal employees were forced to line up for food aid due to Democratic bills, while Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer warned that Republican healthcare policies would drastically increase medical costs for families. The ongoing stalemate and persistent blame-shifting have fueled widespread public dissatisfaction, with both parties showing little progress toward a resolution.