Andy Biggs Accuses Democrats of 'Political Games' During Shutdown

Representative Andy Biggs criticized Democrats and called on the state's two senators to help end the government shutdown, which entered its fourth week with no resolution in sight.

"Anyone with a touch of common sense knows this cannot possibly be blamed on [Secretary Sean Duffy]. Congressional Democrats continue to hold Americans hostage while playing political games. Open the government [Senator Mark Kelly], [Senator Ruben Gallego]," Biggs wrote on X.

Biggs defended Secretary Duffy over the current airport delays, while accusing Democrats of preventing a resolution to the shutdown. 

His message called on Arizona's Democratic senators to break with their party and vote to reopen the government.

Impact of the Shutdown

The shutdown began a month ago over disagreements between Republicans and Democrats on government funding. President Donald Trump stated he won't negotiate until the government reopens, while Democrats are demanding talks on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at the end of the year for millions of Americans.

Republicans need five additional Democratic votes to pass their funding bill. 

Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Angus King (I-Maine) have already voted against their party leadership, and more Democrats have been in discussions with Republicans about potential compromises.

The shutdown is approaching the 35-day record set during the 2018-2019 shutdown. Federal workers are going unpaid, and active-duty military personnel, along with deployed National Guard members, must continue their duties with delayed paychecks until the shutdown ends.

With both sides holding firm, the path to resolution remains unclear.