Washington, D.C. (WOWO) — U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) on Wednesday joined Fox Business’s The Claman Countdown with Liz Claman to discuss the ongoing federal government shutdown, placing the blame squarely on Senate Democrats for obstructing efforts to reopen the government and stressing the impact on military families’ paychecks.
Senator Young, who stated he has voted nine times to fund and reopen the government, characterized the Democratic opposition as a failure to uphold their “most fundamental responsibility.”
“The Democrats continue to obstruct efforts to keep government running—their most fundamental responsibility,” Young said, adding that they “would rather hold hostage the American people” and create “collateral damage” with essential services, including defense.
Military Pay Uncertainty is the ‘Worrisome Point of Contention’
The senator, who is a Marine veteran, focused heavily on the financial uncertainty facing U.S. servicemembers and their families. While acknowledging President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Besant’s efforts to ensure military members receive their current paychecks, Young emphasized the need for a lasting solution.
“You can’t not pay our military members,” he asserted.
Reflecting on his own service during two previous government shutdowns, Young said his primary concern was for his troops, many of whom are low-ranking “lance corporals, your corporals, your sergeants” with spouses and young children.
“They’re not paid very much to put their lives on the line on behalf of us and our freedoms,” he said, noting that families are struggling to make rent or mortgage payments and, in some cases, resorting to food banks. “We owe them better government service than this.”
Short-Term Fixes Not Enough
Young confirmed that the Pentagon had identified roughly $8 billion in unspent research and development funds to cover the current mid-month paychecks for the military. However, he warned this is not a sustainable solution.
“$8 billion is a lot of money in the young household… But in Pentagon terms, it’s basically finding coins under the seat cushion,” Young said. “This will not last a long time, which is why it’s really important that Democrats wise up.”
He called the situation a “manufactured crisis courtesy of the Democrat members of the U.S. Senate” and pleaded with Democrats to “change their vote and join us Republicans” to open the government.
Seeking a Path Forward
When asked about President Trump’s directive to target specific programs in Democratic districts, Young expressed sympathy for the President’s limited options.
“The president doesn’t have many good options here,” Young said. He reminded viewers that while Republicans may control the executive branch and one chamber of Congress, “it still takes 60 votes in the United States Senate to end debate and to vote on funding government.”
Young concluded that the goal is to open all of government and move away from a continuing resolution based on a prior administration’s budget, instead funding appropriations bills under a Trump budget.
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Senator — You continue to stand by Trump, an UNPRINCIPLED man of many talents; May I remind you of the Criminal cases
Federal election subversion: A grand jury indicted Trump on charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The Supreme Court reviewed the scope of presidential immunity, ruling in July 2024 that a former president has presumptive immunity for official acts but not for unofficial acts. The special counsel is arguing that Trump acted as a candidate rather than in an official capacity. After his reelection, Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped the case on November 25, 2024.
Georgia election interference: Trump and several allies were charged under Georgia’s RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law for allegedly trying to overturn the state’s 2020 election results. Some charges against Trump were dismissed in 2024, and an appeals court indefinitely paused the case pending a ruling on the disqualification of District Attorney Fani Willis.
Manhattan “hush money” trial: A jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May 2024. The charges stemmed from a scheme to conceal a hush-money payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. After Trump’s reelection, a judge rejected his attempt to dismiss the verdict, and he was sentenced to an unconditional discharge in January 2025.
Classified documents: Trump was indicted in June 2023 for allegedly retaining classified national defense documents after leaving office and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. The case was dismissed by a district judge in July 2024. Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped the case in November 2024, following Trump’s reelection.
Civil suits
E. Jean Carroll defamation: A federal jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. He was ordered to pay $5 million in damages in May 2023. A separate jury later awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages for Trump’s subsequent defamatory statements.
New York Attorney General fraud case: New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump and his family business for widespread fraud, and a judge found them liable in 2023. He was ordered to pay over $350 million in penalties.
Ethical and political transgressions
Conflicts of interest: During his presidency, Trump retained ownership of his business empire, creating numerous potential conflicts of interest. His properties, like Mar-a-Lago, hosted events for government officials and foreign delegations, allegedly enriching his business.
Hatch Act violations: Multiple senior Trump aides were found by the Office of Special Counsel to have violated the Hatch Act, which limits partisan political activity by federal employees.
January 6 pardons: After his 2024 reelection, Trump pardoned many individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
Disclosures of classified information: The Justice Department accused Trump of disclosing classified information after leaving office. The special counsel dropped this case in November 2024.
Accusations of sexual misconduct: Trump has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct from dozens of women. He has consistently denied these allegations.
Attacks on the rule of law: The Trump administration was criticized for what many perceived as attacks on the rule of law, including targeting law firms, installing personal lawyers in government roles, and defying court orders.
I would not associate with such a person nor should I you, much less support him