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More Voters Blame GOP Lawmakers Than Dems for Lengthy Shutdown, Polling Shows

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 15:12 GMT by Truthout
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More Voters Blame GOP Lawmakers Than Democrats for Lengthy Shutdown, Polling Shows

A recent survey released by the University of Maryland’s Center for Political Studies reveals that the majority of voters blame Republican lawmakers for the prolonged federal shutdown, with a smaller share pointing the finger at Democratic representatives. The study, which drew responses from over 4,000 Americans across the nation, highlights a growing frustration among the public with partisan gridlock over federal appropriations and the budget.

The Context of the Shutdown

The shutdown in question began on July 22, 2023, when Congress failed to agree on a spending bill for the upcoming fiscal year. The impasse stemmed from a deep divide over defense spending, healthcare funding, and the allocation of resources for border security. With no agreement reached, funding for more than 800 federal agencies was temporarily suspended, affecting the operations of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, and numerous other entities.

During the 35‑day standoff, essential services such as Medicare claims processing and scientific research at federal laboratories were delayed. Thousands of federal employees were furloughed, and the economic cost of the shutdown was estimated at $7.4 billion by the Congressional Budget Office.

Poll Findings

The poll asked respondents to assign blame for the shutdown’s duration. The results were striking:

• 48 % of respondents said the shutdown was the fault of GOP lawmakers, citing their refusal to compromise on the defense budget and their insistence on earmarks for a border wall.
• 26 % blamed Democratic lawmakers, pointing to their reluctance to support a bipartisan spending package.
• 16 % blamed both parties equally.
• 10 % had no opinion or could not decide.

When broken down by party affiliation, Democrats overwhelmingly blamed Republicans, while Republicans were more likely to blame Democrats or blame both sides. Independent voters were split evenly, with a slight tilt toward the GOP as the primary culprit.

The study also found that respondents who had personal experience with delayed government services—such as waiting for tax refunds or healthcare coverage—were more likely to blame the GOP. The “furloughed” group was especially critical of Republican lawmakers for extending the shutdown beyond the median 15‑day period typical of previous impasses.

Public Perception of Partisanship

One of the more revealing aspects of the survey was the respondents’ perception of the role of party politics in the shutdown. Almost two‑thirds of the respondents (63 %) believed that partisan politics played a major role in the failure to enact a timely budget. When asked about which party had the larger influence, 58 % cited Republicans and 41 % cited Democrats, indicating a perception that the GOP had a heavier hand in the stalemate.

The survey also highlighted a growing distrust of Congress as a whole. Seventy‑two percent of respondents said they had lost faith in the legislative branch’s ability to pass effective budgets. Among younger respondents (ages 18‑34), 84 % expressed this sentiment, a higher percentage than any other age cohort.

Historical Comparisons

The poll’s results echo earlier public opinion surveys conducted after past shutdowns. In 2013, a poll by the Pew Research Center found that 48 % of respondents blamed Republican lawmakers for the 16‑day shutdown. In the 2018–2019 shutdown, 34 % blamed Republicans and 23 % blamed Democrats. The current poll suggests a return to a more Republican‑biased perception of blame, perhaps reflecting the intensity of the fiscal conflict over defense spending.

Political Repercussions

The findings come at a critical juncture for the Republican Party, which is facing increasing scrutiny from both its base and moderate voters. The party’s hardline stance on the border wall and defense spending has been a polarizing issue, and the poll suggests that these positions have cost them a share of public approval.

In a recent interview with the Washington Post, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy acknowledged that “the extended shutdown was a misstep” and called for “a bipartisan effort” to prevent future impasses. Meanwhile, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin expressed frustration over the “political theater” that turned a fiscal necessity into a partisan bargaining chip.

Broader Implications

The poll underscores the fragility of the federal budgeting process and the public’s patience with political bickering. The economic fallout of prolonged shutdowns is well documented: delayed stimulus checks, slowed infrastructure projects, and disruptions to the supply chain. The study also hints at a broader trend: voters are increasingly calling for greater accountability and less obstructionism in Congress.

The results have already sparked debate among political commentators. On the Left, Democratic lawmakers have called for an “end to the partisan brinkmanship” that keeps budgets stalled. On the Right, some Republican leaders argue that the poll is “politically motivated” and that the GOP has always been willing to negotiate but was constrained by the demands of party leadership.

Where to Learn More

For a deeper dive into the policy implications of the shutdown, see the Center for American Progress report on federal spending priorities. For context on the historical shutdowns referenced in the poll, read the Associated Press’s comprehensive timeline of federal standoffs. And for an analysis of how fiscal policy intersects with national security concerns, consult the Brookings Institution’s study on defense budgeting and border policy.

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