Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.) declared Monday that Democrats could claim victory after the government shutdown owing to "potential momentum" they may have gained on immigration.
Schultz appeared on CNN and squarely blamed Republicans for the shutdown that began Friday evening.
When host Brooke Baldwin asked whether Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) "caved" on the deal he made with Republicans in the Senate to end the shutdown, Schultz preferred to rail against President Donald Trump and the GOP.
Democrats largely voted against last week's spending bill because it didn't address the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients. The new bill did not either, but Schumer said he got assurances from Republican leadership that an immigration bill would be brought up before Feb. 8.
"We have been dealing with this Trump shutdown because of the complete ineptitude of this president and Republican leadership," Schultz said. "We are still kicking the can down the road because Republicans won't come to the table."
"Congresswoman, I hear you on your frustration with the president, but I’m asking about the leader of your party on the Senate side. Did he cave?" Baldwin asked.
Schultz avoided answering the question.
"You know, every senator has to make their own decision about whether this exclusively Senate deal is something they're comfortable with," Schultz replied.
Schultz explained her reasons for blaming Republicans but Baldwin brought the conversation back to Schumer.
"What one thing can you point out that the Democrats, that Leader Schumer, what one thing did he get from Republicans to justify shutting down the government in the first place?" Baldwin asked.
"The one thing I would say that he did get is the potential for momentum," Schultz said. "I am certainly hopeful that's what occurs."
Baldwin focused on the phrase "potential for momentum" and asked Schultz if Americans should believe that is a valid reason for shutting down the government. Again, Schutz avoided the question in favor of targeting Republicans.
"I will tell you that Republicans should be asking themselves that question because they shut the government down," Schultz said. "This is a Trump shutdown."