Charlamagne Tha God has called on Senate Democrats to take action and end the government shutdown, emphasizing the urgent needs of citizens during this challenging period.

The radio host said during a Wednesday segment of “The Breakfast Club” that the party needs to abandon the fight to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies to ensure that federal workers receive pay. 

“Democrats, you had a great victory last night,” Charlamagne remarked, alluding to the party’s successes in the recent Tuesday elections.

He continued, “Insurance premiums have already increased and are locked in for the year. It’s time to move forward. We value the fight and the courageous effort, but let’s be real—people have rent to pay. They need to cover childcare, utility bills, and car payments.”

The Bipartisan Policy Center, a well-regarded think tank, reports that about 730,000 federal employees are currently working without pay due to the shutdown.

This group includes air traffic controllers, whose numbers are thinning at airports nationwide as they reportedly seek additional jobs to make ends meet.

“I feel for all those federal workers who have missed two paychecks already, especially when most of them are living paycheck to paycheck. People not getting their SNAP benefits. It’s time to reopen the government,” Charlamagne said. 

“I don’t care whose fault it was. Let’s stop playing politics with people’s lives,” he continued. 

Senate Democrats have voted against a House-passed stopgap bill 14 times. But the host said it’s clear that Republicans are not open to “concessions.” 

“They are cool with letting people starve,” he added, urging the Democratic party to prove themselves as the faction that cares.

“Democrats have to care. They’re the party of the people, right? The party of the working class, right? They have to care,” Charlamagne told listeners. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Friday urged GOP lawmakers to agree to a one-year extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits and a short-term spending bill. But Republicans balked at the new offer, calling it a “non-starter.” Lawmakers are meeting for a rare Saturday session with the hope of eventually coming to an agreement.