The Republicans in charge of the #TrumpShutdown keep trying to make it about the Democrats, including following the pr*sident’s lead in blasting them over “holding our Military hostage”:
Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. CanâÂÂt let that happen!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018
The two lies in that tweet get called bullshit, but they are actually something worse than that lenient description: They are pure disiniformation, intentionally meant to mislead.
What’s actually happening regarding the military?
Republicans: âÂÂA government shutdown would hurt the veterans and their families.âÂÂ
Democrats: âÂÂOkay, letâÂÂs make sure theyâÂÂre protected.âÂÂ
Republicans: âÂÂNo.âÂÂ#TrumpShutdown #GOPShutdown https://t.co/Lu9x9Cjxqa
— Matthew Chapman (@fawfulfan) January 20, 2018
Early this morning, @clairecmc tried to pass a bill to guarantee military pay and death benefits in the #TrumpShutdown.
Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: I object. WATCH: pic.twitter.com/n3a7RBaxzi— Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) January 20, 2018
In response Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jon Tester (D-MT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) have introduced legislation to withhold the pay of members of Congress for as long as the #TrumpShutdown lasts.
“It is wrong that Members of Congress would still get pay in the event of a shutdown while paychecks for members of our military could be disrupted,” Stabenow said. “This bill ensures that Members of Congress will not get paid, and another bill I have cosponsored makes sure our troops will. Even if these bills do not pass, I will donate my salary for every single day that a shutdown occurs.”
