‘I Do Not See An Off-Ramp’: Sen John Kennedy Lays Out What Must Change Before Washington Reopens Government

Republican Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy said Wednesday on CNN that the government shutdown will not end until senators “take their egos out back and shoot them.”

Senate Democrats continue to push their shutdown strategy even as over 40 million Americans risk losing federal food aid because of the funding lapse. In an appearance on “The Arena,” Kennedy said negotiations have stalled because Democratic leaders are insisting on an unrealistic spending package.

“It’s not going to end until enough senators take their egos out back and shoot them. So far, that hasn’t happened. I do not see an off-ramp. I just don’t. If we did agree, and I don’t think we could, on something on health care, it would still have to pass the House,” Kennedy told Kasie Hunt. “Of course, the House isn’t in, but I don’t think it could pass the House right now.”

Kennedy accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of overplaying his hand by demanding roughly $1.5 trillion in additional spending.

“I’m biased, but I think the mistake that Senator Schumer made, when he said no, I’m going to shut it down, he asked for, it was such a big ask. I mean when you add it up, it’s like $1.5 trillion and wants us to gut the Big Beautiful Bill like a fish,” Kennedy said. “And he’s so far out there. It’s hard for him to get back off that limb.”

Kennedy took to the Senate floor earlier this month to accuse Democrats of holding the government hostage over pet projects abroad. He said their refusal to reopen the government without restoring millions in foreign spending proves they would rather fund waste than help Americans. (RELATED: Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury Claims Trump Starving Americans While Her Party Blocks Reopening The Government)

Roughly 42 million Americans could lose food aid for the first time in history as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces a funding lapse starting Nov. 1. While Democrats claim they want to prevent a freeze in benefits, Republicans accuse Schumer and his caucus of blocking efforts to reopen the government and keep SNAP funded.

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