Senator Shelley Moore Capito was on “Fox News Sunday” with host Shannon Bream to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, which is now in its 19th day. The Democrats’ political stunts shut down the federal government on October 1st.
“He said you guys have the power to change this, to end the shutdown. What’s your response on dropping that 60 vote threshold?” Bream asked regarding Rep Ro Khanna’s comments.
“We are not gonna do that. We are not gonna drop the filibuster. It wouldn’t pass number one, and I signed a letter in 2017, saying I would not vote to get rid of the filibuster,” Capito said.
“The simple vote here is to simply open the government. We have a bipartisan measure that has no strings attached to it, except for a seven-week extension of government,” Capito said.
Senator Capito explained that the shutdown was politically motivated by the left. She even mentioned Senator Schumer’s comments that he thought it was helping the Democrats.
“I think it’s very obvious what’s going on. The politics of this. The Democrats, Senator Schumer has already said this, it’s getting better for us every day,” Capito, reflecting Senator Schumer’s comments.
“Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, says there has been no offer. Can you clarify for us?” Bream asked.
“Well, I think that John Thune tweeted on Friday. He said this numerous times in his speeches on the floor and also to the press that we are ready to talk about healthcare,” Capito said.
“Senator Thune has said numerous times that we will talk about this, but he is not gonna let the government be held hostage and hijacked over an issue,” Capito said.
“The sooner that they vote to reopen the government, the sooner we get to the negotiating table on these subsidies,” Capito continued.
“Is there a sense from you that there are other Democrats that are considering crossing over to get you to that 60 vote to reopen the government?” Bream asked.
“I think the pressure on the Democrats is enormous when your leadership is, you know, raises the stakes so high like this,” Capito said.
“We are having these conversations daily, but we cannot move forward until we open the government,” Capito continued.
“I do believe many Democrats do not want to be in a shutdown situation. They know it’s a misery march. It’s a road to nowhere,” Capito continued.
Watch:
WATCH: @SenCapito confirms the Senate will vote on a bill to pay federal workers next week, as frustration grows over the ongoing shutdown. pic.twitter.com/8uPkMKnisJ
— Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) October 19, 2025