House Minority Leader Jeffries calls Leavitt ‘Sick’ and ’Demented’ During Shutdown Debate
WASHINGTON - House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sharply criticized Rep.Mike Leavitt, R-utah, during a heated debate on the floor Thursday, labeling the Republican lawmaker “sick” and “demented” for his remarks regarding the ongoing government shutdown negotiations.The exchange occurred as Congress remains deadlocked over federal funding, with a shutdown entering its fourth week.
The escalating rhetoric underscores the deep partisan divide fueling the impasse. Democrats are demanding any funding extension include provisions to protect Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire, while Republicans are pushing for a short-term continuing resolution to buy time for broader budget negotiations. The shutdown impacts federal employees and services nationwide, and the lack of a resolution threatens further economic disruption.
According to a transcript of the floor debate, Jeffries’ comments followed Leavitt accusing Democrats of prioritizing “political theater” over addressing the nation’s financial challenges.Jeffries responded, “The gentleman from Utah is sick. He is demented. He doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation that we are in.”
Leavitt’s office has not yet responded to a request for comment.
The House has failed to pass any funding bills,and Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked Republican-led continuing resolutions. On Thursday, Senate Democrats blocked the GOP’s federal funding measure for a fourth time before leaving Washington for the weekend. Republicans proposed a seven-week extension of fiscal year 2025 funding levels, but Democrats are refusing to support it without concessions on healthcare funding.
The current impasse centers on Democratic demands to extend COVID-19 pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies. Without an extension, millions of Americans could face increased healthcare costs. Negotiations are expected to continue next week, but a breakthrough remains uncertain.
