Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) made a bold prediction on Thursday, asserting that every Democratic member of Congress is prepared to support measures defunding the ongoing Iran conflict—and may even force a government shutdown—unless a diplomatic settlement is reached to end the war. His remarks came during an interview on MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes,” where he framed the stance as a defining moment for Democrats against Republican resistance.
Host Chris Hayes questioned whether the party could unify behind aggressive tactics to halt U.S. involvement, suggesting that votes to block war funding or escalate budget confrontations could gain near-universal Democratic support. Sanders didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely,” he responded. “And there will be some Republicans on board as well.” He pointed to Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) and other GOP critics of the war as potential allies but emphasized that Democrats must “be bold” in opposing the conflict.
Political Hardball Over War Funding
Sanders framed the funding battle as a direct challenge to former President Donald Trump, who has signaled he would veto such measures if reelected. “Trump wants to veto stuff. It’s his privilege,” Sanders said, “We have got to distinguish ourselves from the Republicans.” The comments signal an escalating strategy by progressive lawmakers to leverage must-pass spending bills as leverage to force an end to military engagement in Iran.
The Vermont independent, who caucuses with Democrats, has long been a vocal opponent of overseas interventions. His remarks suggest Democrats are preparing for a high-stakes showdown, potentially risking a federal shutdown just months before the 2026 midterms. While Sanders expressed confidence in near-total Democratic unity, the path to actually cutting off war funds remains fraught—especially if Republicans retain control of either chamber.
Republican Divisions on the Table
Sanders acknowledged GOP dissent, noting that Vance and other Republicans have criticized the war as “a disaster.” Still, he cast the broader Republican stance as out of step with public sentiment, citing polling that shows voter fatigue over prolonged military commitments. “A lot of Republicans do [understand],” he said, but stopped short of predicting enough bipartisan support to override a presidential veto.
The senator’s comments come as Congress prepares for heated appropriations battles later this year. While defense hawks in both parties are likely to resist defunding military operations, Sanders’ declaration sets the stage for a high-profile intraparty test—one that could force vulnerable Democrats in swing districts to choose between progressive demands and national security concerns.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/11/06/sanders-every-dem-will-vote-to-defund-war-maybe-shut-government-down-unless-theres-settlement/