As the threat of a government shutdown looms, Republicans have resorted to a misleading talking point, claiming that Democrats are responsible for the impending crisis. This argument, however, is based on a flawed premise. The GOP contends that Democrats are refusing to negotiate, but in reality, they are simply trying to hold Republicans to their previous commitments.

The root of the issue lies in the disagreement over funding for a border wall, a campaign promise made by President Trump. Republicans have consistently pushed for $5 billion in funding, while Democrats have offered $1.6 billion for border security measures. The Democrats’ proposal, however, does not include funding for a physical wall, which is a non-starter for the President.

The GOP’s talking point also ignores the fact that they had the opportunity to pass a spending bill with wall funding when they controlled both chambers of Congress. Instead, they chose to punt the issue to the new Congress, which is now divided. Furthermore, the President himself has previously signed spending bills without wall funding, undermining the Republicans’ claims that it is a non-negotiable priority.

Another aspect of the GOP’s argument is that Democrats are being inflexible and unwilling to compromise. However, this ignores the fact that Democrats have already made significant concessions, including offering to increase funding for border security measures. The Democrats’ position is not about opposing border security, but rather about opposing the wasteful and ineffective expenditure of $5 billion on a physical wall.

In reality, the looming shutdown is a result of the President’s refusal to accept a compromise that does not include his desired level of wall funding. The Republicans’ talking point is an attempt to deflect blame and obscure the fact that they are unable to govern and find common ground with Democrats. By repeating this misleading narrative, the GOP is attempting to shift the blame for the shutdown to the Democrats, rather than taking responsibility for their own inaction and failure to compromise.

Ultimately, the American public deserves a more honest and nuanced discussion about the issues driving the shutdown. Rather than relying on misleading talking points, lawmakers should focus on finding common ground and passing a spending bill that addresses the nation’s pressing needs, including border security, without resorting to wasteful and ineffective measures like a physical wall.