House Democrat Admits Using Families as Shutdown Leverage Amid 23-Day Standoff

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, a senior Democrat leader, acknowledged in multiple interviews that the ongoing government shutdown is being used as political leverage, despite the suffering it causes American families. Clark described the shutdown as "one of the few leverage times we have" to push for healthcare priorities, which has drawn sharp criticism from Republican leaders who accuse Democrats of weaponizing the hardship faced by families for political gain. Republican Study Committee Chair August Pfluger condemned Clark's comments as "calculated hostage-taking," highlighting the political manipulation of the shutdown. Clark faced further backlash after White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt highlighted her remarks, leading Clark to accuse Leavitt of taking her words out of context while reiterating Democrats' opposition to Republican budget proposals that would reduce healthcare access. The government shutdown has extended for over three weeks, with Democrats rejecting GOP funding bills and Republicans accusing Democrats of forcing the impasse despite controlling Congress and the White House. This political standoff underscores the deep partisan divide over budget priorities and the use of government funding as leverage in policy negotiations.