One of President Donald Trump's White House officials has "overplayed" his hand regarding the government shutdown, and some Republicans in Congress are "freaking out" because of it, according to one Democratic lawmaker.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) discussed the government shutdown on a new episode of "Pod Save America" with former Obama administration aide Tommy Vietor. Schatz said that Vought's recent threat to close so-called Democrat programs is backfiring because the programs on the chopping block help a bipartisan slate of states.
"I think Russ Vought overplayed his hand, and as we see evidence that they've overplayed their hand, they're going to get even more sort of rhetorically nutty," Schatz said.
For instance, Schatz said Vought has threatened to cut funding for special education programs, substance abuse treatment funding, and funding for Community Development Financial Institutions, which are a main financier of rural development projects.
Schatz revealed that Republican lawmakers like Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have been "freaking out" about the prospect of these programs being cut.
"Everyone's freaking out, saying, 'I don't know what gave you the idea that this wasn't a bipartisan program,'" Schatz said.
