The Republican National Committee is intensifying its criticism of Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), accusing the Georgia Democrat of misleading voters about his role in past government shutdowns that had serious consequences for working Americans.
In a recent post on X, RNC Research said Ossoff is attempting to “gaslight” the public by downplaying how often he sided with Senate Democrats during key votes that prolonged the shutdown. The group argues those decisions directly harmed families, seniors, and essential workers across Georgia.
During a Sunday interview, Ossoff defended his record, insisting he voted multiple times to keep the government funded while also supporting extensions of Affordable Care Act tax credits. He claimed allowing those subsidies to expire would cause health insurance premiums to rise sharply for middle-class families already under pressure from inflation and high living costs.
“Americans don’t want their insurance premiums to increase by hundreds of dollars each month,” Ossoff said, adding that voters also want Washington to avoid disruptive government shutdowns.
Ossoff framed the debate as a public health issue, arguing Congress must act to prevent financial hardship and health emergencies for vulnerable Americans. He said extending healthcare subsidies would help prevent avoidable medical crises at a time when household budgets are stretched thin.
However, RNC Research countered those claims by pointing to Ossoff’s voting record. According to the RNC, the senator voted 15 times in favor of what became the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Republicans say those votes resulted in delayed paychecks for more than 100,000 Georgia workers and interrupted food assistance for over one million residents.
Ossoff initially voted against a November bill aimed at ending the shutdown, citing concerns over healthcare provisions and Medicaid-related funding. While he later supported legislation to ensure temporary pay for essential workers, including military personnel and Transportation Security Administration employees, critics argue the damage had already been done.
The renewed scrutiny from the RNC highlights how government shutdowns and healthcare spending remain major political fault lines ahead of upcoming elections. With President Trump and Republicans emphasizing fiscal responsibility and government accountability, Ossoff’s record is likely to face continued examination—particularly in Georgia, where voters remember how Washington gridlock affected everyday life.