Bachmann Claims Senate Dems Want Shutdown

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) criticized Senate Democrats Friday, claiming that they are attempting a shutdown as political strategy. 

She singled out Senate Leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for allegedly implementing the strategy in order portray Republicans in a bad light. She also pointed to Howard Dean, a former Vermont Governor and DNC Chair, who recently stated some Democrats should be quietly rooting for a shutdown.

“We reject that strategy,” Bachmann told reporters Friday. “We think the American People are saying we are done with political games.”

Bachmann made her comments during a press conference promoting Rep. Louie Gohmert’s (R-Texas) bill to ensure military pay remains intact in the event of a government shutdown, set to occur April 8 unless a new spending bill is approved. She took the opportunity to add that pay for members’ of Congress should be frozen during a government shutdown.

“This is a matter of priorities,” Bachmann said. “If the United States Congress is deciding to play games, they need to lose their paychecks.”

Democrats in the Senate, Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and Bob Casey (Pa.) introduced a bill in February that would restrict Congressional pay during a shutdown.