Part 6/12:
More than 70% of respondents view these consequences as concerning, with military pay being the most alarming issue. Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate this, the shutdown's effects threaten national security and public safety, raising questions about the priorities of lawmakers who allow such disruptions.
The Political Calculus: Democrats Using the Shutdown for Leverage
Some Democratic leaders, including Schumer, and certain Senate Democrats, are perceived as knowingly prolonging the shutdown to serve political interests. Schumer reportedly believes that the shutdown benefits his party by providing leverage against Republicans and President Trump, framing it as a stand against GOP policies and using it as cover to avoid challenging radical primary challengers like AOC.