Former Vice President Kamala Harris has voiced strong support for the Democratic Party’s stance amid the ongoing government shutdown, asserting that they are “doing the right thing” by standing firm on their demands. This comes as Senate Democrats have consistently blocked the advancement of a stopgap bill on ten separate occasions. Their primary aim is to secure an extension of the Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.

In a statement made during an interview with The Associated Press, Harris emphasized the Democrats’ commitment to advocating for working individuals. She criticized the Republicans’ strategy, arguing that it burdens working Americans while offering tax cuts to the wealthiest. “Democrats are doing the right thing by standing up for working people and not allowing the Republicans to carry a tax cut for the wealthiest people in our country on the backs of working people in America,” she stated.

The shutdown, now dragging into its 18th day, has had significant repercussions. Harris pointed the finger at her political counterparts, holding them accountable for the lapse in federal funding. The situation threatens back pay for furloughed federal workers, and the economy is beginning to feel the strain of the shutdown’s ripple effects.

Amidst these tensions, the question remains: When will the shutdown come to an end? As it unfolds, there are five crucial dates that could potentially play a pivotal role in resolving this political impasse.

The Trump administration is actively taking steps to redistribute funds to ensure the military gets paychecks during the shutdown. FBI agents and some Department of Homeland Security employees are expected to receive paychecks as well. 

“The Republicans control the House. They control the Senate. They control the White House,” Harris told AP. “They are in charge, and they are responsible for the shutdown.”

Amid closures, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is preparing to bring a full-year spending bill for the Pentagon to the floor as the shutdown extends to the three-week mark.

The 2024 Democratic presidential nominee says she remains in contact with former colleagues on Capitol Hill and has spent the last month touring American cities during the promotion of her “107 Days” book about her failed presidential bid.

“I am a leader of the party,” she said. “I take seriously that responsibility and duty that I feel.”