(By Kainat Rajput)
As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into another week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) expressed optimism on Sunday that the crisis could end soon — but only if Republicans in Congress are willing to sit down and negotiate in good faith with Democrats. Kelly’s remarks came during an interview on Face the Nation with CBS News, where he emphasized that bipartisan cooperation remains the only viable path to reopening the federal government and restoring stability.
A Crisis With Mounting Consequences
The shutdown, now entering its third week, has already disrupted essential services and left hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay. Agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the National Park Service, and several research departments have felt the strain. Economists have warned that a prolonged government closure could slow down the national economy, delaying paychecks, federal loans, and even social assistance programs.
“This is not sustainable,” Kelly said. “Families in Arizona and across the country are worried about their next paycheck, about whether government programs they depend on will continue. We need to act — and we need to act now.”
Kelly noted that while disagreements over spending priorities are common, using a shutdown as leverage for political demands is harmful. “We can debate policies without shutting down the very system we were elected to run,” he added.
Negotiation as the Only Way Forward
Senator Kelly’s comments directly addressed the leadership in the House of Representatives, particularly Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who has faced mounting pressure from both moderates and hardline members within his party.
According to Kelly, the impasse can be resolved this week if Republicans “come to the table with sincerity.” He stated, “We’ve negotiated bigger deals before — we can absolutely do it again. But it requires both sides to show up and put Americans first.”
The central dispute behind the shutdown centers around budget allocations for defense, healthcare, and border security. Republicans have demanded deeper spending cuts and stricter immigration measures, while Democrats insist on maintaining funding for essential services and programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits.
Impact on Arizona and Beyond
In his home state of Arizona, the effects of the shutdown have already begun to ripple through the economy. National parks like the Grand Canyon—a major tourist destination—have reduced operations, affecting local businesses and hospitality workers who rely on tourism.
Kelly highlighted the personal toll of the shutdown, saying, “When families can’t pay rent, when small businesses lose customers, and when veterans wait longer for care — that’s not just politics. That’s people’s lives.”
He also warned that the shutdown threatens critical national security operations, particularly in Arizona, where several military bases and defense contractors play key roles. “We cannot afford to undermine readiness and morale in our armed forces over partisan gridlock,” he stressed.
Bipartisan Solutions on the Table
Despite the tense political climate, some senators from both parties have been working quietly behind the scenes to draft a short-term funding resolution that could reopen the government while negotiations continue on a long-term spending bill.
Kelly has voiced support for a temporary measure if it ensures stability for federal employees and the public. “A continuing resolution isn’t ideal,” he admitted, “but it’s far better than leaving millions of Americans in uncertainty.”
He also praised efforts by colleagues such as Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) who have both advocated for bipartisan dialogue. “We have enough reasonable people in Congress to solve this — we just need to block out the noise and focus on governing,” Kelly remarked.
Republican Response
Republican leaders, however, have largely dismissed the notion that Democrats are negotiating in good faith. A spokesperson for Speaker Johnson said, “Democrats refuse to acknowledge the need for fiscal responsibility. The American people deserve a government that lives within its means.”
Still, political analysts suggest that mounting public pressure — combined with economic fallout — could push both parties to compromise sooner rather than later. Recent polls show that a majority of Americans blame both Congress and the White House for the impasse, with independents particularly frustrated by the stalemate.
Looking Ahead
Senator Kelly concluded his CBS interview on an optimistic note, expressing hope that cooler heads will prevail in the coming days. “We can get this done,” he said firmly. “If Republicans sit down and negotiate with us, we could have this shutdown wrapped up by the end of the week.”
He reiterated that bipartisan cooperation has worked in the past — citing successful infrastructure and veterans’ legislation — and that it can work again. “The American people expect us to solve problems, not create them. It’s time we live up to that responsibility.”
As negotiations continue, Washington faces a critical week that could determine whether the government reopens — or whether the political gridlock deepens further.
