Columbia News

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) appeared on Fox Business’ Kudlow to discuss the ongoing government shutdown and related legislative issues. During the interview, Schmitt criticized Democrats for their handling of the continuing resolution process and accused them of obstructing efforts to reopen the government.

“Look, I understand the President’s frustration. You look at what’s happening with the [continuing resolution] right now, where the Democrats are just completely obstructing the ability to reopen the government in an unprecedented way. All because they just want to try to thwart anything that President Trump [does] or our Republican agenda. But I think we’re going to get there. I think I’m hopeful that this week is the breakthrough [to reopen the government], because Democrats, have been using this election date, Larry, as sort of their D-Day. We’re into November now. They want to keep their left flank energized. They’re scared to death of them. They weren’t going to do anything before the ‘No Kings’ rally. They weren’t going to do anything before this election. So, regardless of how it turns out, they’ve been stoking this flame, and I think that once today’s election is over, we’ll get at least five Democrats to come over and reopen the government. It’s just ridiculous. Air traffic controllers haven’t been paid in a month. ICE agents haven’t been paid in a month. It really is ridiculous and stupid,” Schmitt said.

He also addressed Democratic proposals regarding changes in federal governance: “Well, [Democrats] certainly want to add states to the union. They want to pack the Supreme Court. They want to federalize elections. They want to make voter ID laws illegal in states like Missouri. They have a pretty radical agenda that — if they could do with 51 votes — would be incredibly dangerous.” Schmitt expressed hope for progress on passing a continuing resolution soon and noted upcoming opportunities for Republicans through another reconciliation package early next year.

Schmitt highlighted previous legislative achievements: “I mean, look we did so much in the One Big Beautiful Bill — historic tax cuts, all the things that we did to secure the border for deportations and immigration reform… but there are some more things we can do, probably on the national defense side and for law enforcement.”

On discussions within Senate Republicans about extending a continuing resolution (CR), Schmitt said: “That’s a big discussion we had in our Senate lunch today. The Republicans were talking about extending [the CR]. There’s no way we’re going […] to give them another opportunity to grandstand three weeks from now.” He added that there was debate about whether an extension should last until December or January but emphasized allowing enough time for appropriations bills work.

Schmitt criticized past practices under Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer regarding omnibus spending bills passed without sufficient review: “Schumer never did that. He just ended up with an omnibus bill at midnight that no one ever read… We’re going to have regular order… long enough to make sure we do appropriations bills.”

The senator concluded by reaffirming his support for regular legislative processes and continued advancement of priorities aligned with former President Trump’s agenda.