Op-Ed: Rep. Mike Ezell: Why the Democrats own this government shutdown

Republicans chose the path of stability. Democrats chose chaos, Rep. Mike Ezell explains.

The federal government has officially shut down — and the blame lies squarely with Senate and House Democrats.

Here’s why.

While Americans are working hard to support their families, rebuild after natural disasters, and simply stay afloat, Washington, D.C. Democrats have once again chosen partisan games over responsible governance. Rather than joining with Republicans in passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open, Democrats refused to get on board, choosing to protect their far-left agenda instead of the livelihoods of everyday Americans.

Weeks ago, House Republicans did our job. We passed a clean, 24-page CR to fund the government through November 21 — buying Congress the time it needs to complete the regular appropriations process. There were no partisan demands, no controversial provisions, and no surprises — just a practical solution to avoid a completely preventable shutdown.

And let’s not forget: this type of clean stopgap measure is something that Democrats continuously pushed across the floor under the Biden administration. The only difference this time? They didn’t get their wish list.

Instead of accepting a bipartisan solution, Democrats pushed their own bloated bill, loaded with $1.5 trillion in new partisan spending. That included billions for foreign climate projects, hundreds of millions for liberal media bailouts, benefits for illegal immigrants, and even cuts to rural health care. It was a messaging bill — not a governing one — and they knew it wouldn’t pass.

Now, because of their obstruction, federal workers face furloughs. Veterans may see delays in services. Small businesses waiting on approvals or federal support are stuck in limbo. Families affected by recent disasters could be left waiting for help. Ports and supply chains, critical to our economy, are at risk of disruption. And at a time when global uncertainty is rising, our military and national security readiness are undermined.

This is not just a “shutdown”; it’s a breakdown of responsibility — and it’s entirely avoidable.

The American people don’t want political theater. They want a functioning government. They want leadership that puts them first, not one that hijacks basic funding bills to push partisan priorities. Republicans chose the path of stability. Democrats chose chaos.

This shutdown didn’t have to happen. It happened because Democrats refused to accept a clean, reasonable compromise. And now, the consequences fall not on politicians in Washington, but on hardworking Americans across the country.

Make no mistake: Democrats own this shutdown. And they owe the American people an explanation.

Rep. Mike Ezell represents Mississippi’s 4th District in Congress.