Key Takeaways

• Sen. Dave McCormick apologized for calling Democrats “terrorists.”
• He said he meant the term “hostage takers” instead.
• His remark surfaced amid a 26-day government shutdown.
• The shutdown blocks funding for health care subsidies.
• McCormick hopes to restart talks and reopen the government.

Sen. Dave McCormick retracted a strong remark about the ongoing government shutdown. He told CNN’s Manu Raju he misspoke when he compared Democratic lawmakers to terrorists. Instead, he said he meant to call them “hostage takers.”

Why Government Shutdown Talks Stalled

The government shutdown now marks its 26th day. Republicans and Democrats have clashed over health care funding. The dispute centers on subsidies that help low-income Americans pay for insurance. Democrats want to protect and extend those benefits. Many Republicans oppose long-term spending increases. As a result, essential services face a funding gap.

In his Capitol interview, Raju asked McCormick why Republicans would not work with Democrats to end the government shutdown. McCormick answered bluntly. He said you cannot negotiate with someone who holds the nation hostage. He then used the word terrorist.

McCormick’s Original Remark

McCormick said, “You can’t negotiate with a terrorist.” He meant Democrats blocked any deal until they got what they wanted. He argued that shutting down the government to push a policy demand was extreme. He noted that Republicans, including President Trump and Senate leadership, support real talks. Yet, he felt Democrats refused to budge.

Raju pressed him. He asked if McCormick truly believed Democrats acted like terrorists. McCormick paused. Then he shifted his language. “I think they’re irresponsibly imposing pain on the American people,” he said. He added they held vital services hostage for a political win.

The Walkback Moment

After the interview aired, McCormick clarified his words. He told Raju he did not intend to equate Democrats with terrorists. Instead, he said they were hostage takers in a political standoff. He called that term more accurate and less inflammatory.

By walking back his statement, McCormick aimed to calm the controversy. He stressed his desire to reopen the government. Moreover, he wants to protect the health care safety net for those in need. He said strong language should not stop common-sense talks.

What This Means for Negotiations

Now, both parties face pressure to end the government shutdown. Essential services have paused or slowed. Federal workers have missed paychecks. Food safety inspections and national parks remain closed. Many Americans feel direct effects.

Meanwhile, lawmakers on both sides seek public support. Democrats highlight the harm to low-income families. They argue Republicans threaten needed health care subsidies. On the other side, some Republicans accuse Democrats of using shutdown as a bargaining chip. Neither side wants to take sole blame for the impasse.

McCormick’s change in language may ease tensions. It shows he aims to negotiate rather than inflame. Yet, real progress requires compromise on funding levels. Leaders from both parties must set aside rhetoric. They must focus on solutions that reopen government services.

Looking Ahead

The key to ending the government shutdown lies in small, targeted agreements. Lawmakers could first restore health care funding. Next, they might add measures on border security. A step-by-step approach could break the deadlock.

Sen. McCormick said he’s ready to join such talks. He emphasized respect and civility. He believes that lawmakers can meet halfway on tough issues. If both sides stick to direct, honest conversations, they might save billions in economic losses.

As the shutdown stretches on, every day adds financial stress to households. Government workers face uncertainty. Businesses that depend on federal permits wait for approvals. Farmers worry about missing subsidy payments. Scientists cannot begin new projects.

In short, the longer the shutdown lasts, the wider its ripple effects. That makes real negotiation more urgent than ever. McCormick’s retraction signals a willingness to move beyond blame. It remains to be seen if Democrats will respond in kind.

FAQs

How long has the government shutdown lasted?

The shutdown has now lasted 26 days, making it one of the longest in U.S. history.

What sparked the McCormick controversy?

Sen. McCormick compared Democrats to terrorists during a CNN interview, then retracted the remark.

Why are Democrats and Republicans at odds?

They disagree over funding for government health care subsidies and other budget priorities.

What does McCormick suggest now?

He wants respectful talks and small, targeted funding deals to end the shutdown.