Part 2/7:
The congressman's opening statement attributes the shutdown primarily to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He delineates the shutdown as “entirely avoidable,” blaming Schumer's political fears, particularly regarding progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), for allowing the situation to escalate. The congressman criticizes Schumer’s reluctance to compromise, citing an internal fear of political repercussions from the left flank of the Democratic Party.