Sen. John Kennedy Lays Out What Must Change Before D.C. Reopens

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.

Read More: https://dailycallernewsfoundation.org/2025/10/29/i-do-not-see-an-off-ramp-sen-john-kennedy-lays-out-what-must-change-before-washington-reopens-government/