Charlamagne Tha God urged Senate Democrats to reopen the government, citing citizens’ dire needs amid the federal shuttering.
The radio host said during a Wednesday segment of “The Breakfast Club” that the party needs to abandon the fight to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies to ensure that federal workers receive pay.
“Dems, you had a great night last night,” Charlamagne said referring to the party’s Tuesday election wins.
“The premiums have already gone up. They are set for the year,” he added. “It’s time to move on. We appreciate the fight, the valiant effort, but come on, man, people got rent due. People got childcare to pay for, light bills, car notes.”
Approximately 730,000 federal employees are continuing to work without pay during the shutdown, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center think tank.
Among them are air traffic controllers, whose staffing numbers are dwindling at airports across the country as workers reportedly pick up second jobs to pay their bills.
“I feel for all those federal workers who have missed two paychecks already, especially when most of them are living paycheck to paycheck. People not getting their SNAP benefits. It’s time to reopen the government,” Charlamagne said.
“I don’t care whose fault it was. Let’s stop playing politics with people’s lives,” he continued.
Senate Democrats have voted against a House-passed stopgap bill 14 times. But the host said it’s clear that Republicans are not open to “concessions.”
“They are cool with letting people starve,” he added, urging the Democratic party to prove themselves as the faction that cares.
“Democrats have to care. They’re the party of the people, right? The party of the working class, right? They have to care,” Charlamagne told listeners.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Friday urged GOP lawmakers to agree to a one-year extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits and a short-term spending bill. But Republicans balked at the new offer, calling it a “non-starter.” Lawmakers are meeting for a rare Saturday session with the hope of eventually coming to an agreement.
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