Sean Spicer slams GOP for not seizing on Democrats blocking military pay

Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer condemned Republicans on Friday’s “The Morning Meeting” for failing to capitalize on Democrats blocking a bill that would pay military service members during the shutdown.

Democrats voted to block the Senate from considering the defense spending bill on Thursday, with only three Democratic senators crossing party lines to support the legislation. Spicer argued on the 2WAY show that Republicans should have held a press event following the vote and scheduled another vote on the bill rather than simply leaving. (RELATED: Democrats Double Down On Shutdown Despite Americans’ Healthcare Programs Lapsing)

WATCH:

“I was absolutely embarrassed how bad the Republican response was,” Spicer said. “They should have been out on the steps last night with military members and Border Patrol and saying, ‘This is insane.’”

“The idea that they voted and then bolted is an embarrassment to the Republican Party. What they did last night, how they’re messaging this. There’s not another vote,” he continued. “It’s literally the lamest response I’ve ever seen. Senate Republicans should be embarrassed by how bad they’re messaging this.”

Republican Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson’s Shutdown Fairness Act would have paid military personnel and federal workers working during the shutdown, such as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, air traffic controllers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Democrats defended their opposition in part by focusing on the federal employees who have been furloughed and not covered by the bill. However, the same group of Democrats have repeatedly voted against reopening the government, which would ensure all federal workers get paid.

Republican leaders criticized Democrats’ decision to filibuster the legislation despite the caucus expressing concern regarding federal employees going unpaid during the shutdown.

“When Democrats stand up here today and criticize this bill, remember this. Senate Democrats have a choice. Pay essential workers who are working right now without a paycheck. Or send them into the weekend with empty bank accounts and bills they cannot pay,” Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, the second-ranking Senate Republican said on Thursday. “If Democrats vote no, it won’t be about fairness. It will be about politics.”

 All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].

Latest posts by Jason Cohen (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.