Byron Donalds thinks federal shutdown end is in sight as he blames Chuck Schumer

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is predicting the federal government shutdown will last another one to two weeks.

Donalds, who is running for Governor, spoke in Orlando at the Future of Florida Forum, which is the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.

“How long is the shutdown going to last?” Donalds said at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa in front of a crowd of business leaders, educators and advocates. “The truth of the matter is the person that truly knows is the Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.”

Meanwhile, Schumer has remained firm, blaming President Donald Trump for the federal government that’s now in its fourth week as Democrats push to save expiring health care benefits.

Speaking Monday, Donalds said he believes the federal government could reopen in one to two weeks because of the growing pressure from people’s vital federal benefits running out and as key employees from Transportation Security Administration agents, air traffic controllers and border patrol agents aren’t getting paid.

“Paychecks are supposed to go out in a couple days unless Chuck Schumer decides to change his mind,” Donalds said. 

Donalds spoke for 20 minutes at the conference as he discussed challenges the growing state is facing. 

The Future of Florida Forum runs Monday and Tuesday, featuring a long list of speakers including Chamber CEO Mark Wilson and Attorney General James Uthmeier. Topics include the economy, education, technology, law enforcement, infrastructure and industry challenges.

According to polls, Donalds is the leading candidate to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis. Former House Speaker Paul Renner is also running, and there is plenty of speculation about other contenders such as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a close DeSantis ally, and current First Lady Casey DeSantis.

On the Democratic side, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has been rumored to run but has not made any official announcements.