Chris Christie Slams Congress For Patting Themselves On The Back: 'These Jokers Take A Victory Lap' For Not Shutting The Government

GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie slammed Congress for self-congratulating on avoiding a government shutdown.

What Happened: Christie, addressing a town hall in New Hampshire, mocked lawmakers for taking a “victory lap” for not closing the government, The Hill reported.

“You look at Washington. These jokers take a victory lap for not closing the government and think like they deserve a big round of applause for that. Congratulations — you didn't close the government you're supposed to be down there running,” he said.

"But I don't think that deserves any great round of applause," he added.

"But they do because they haven't had a president who has worked with them and made them understand that our job is to work for you. Not the other way around. Our job is to make the tough decisions."

See Also: Trump’s Niece Says Newly Released Audio Is ‘Key Evidence’ That Could Convict Her Uncle

Why It Matters: President Joe Biden signed a stopgap bill last week, passed by Congress, that prevented a government shutdown ahead of Thanksgiving. The bill will extend funding for some agencies and programs until Jan. 19, and all others through Feb. 2.

Since launching his presidential campaign, Christie has been critical of House GOP members. Following the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the top spot in October, Christie continually targeted the House GOP, referring to the Speakership chaos as an “embarrassment.”

Christie has been focusing his efforts and resources in New Hampshire, ahead of the primary election on Jan. 23. Despite former President Donald Trump being the front-runner for the GOP nomination nationwide and in New Hampshire, a recent poll by The Washington Post and Monmouth University found Christie in third place in the state.

Read Next: A New Poll Finds Trump’s Support Languishes Well Below Majority In New Hampshire

Photo by Christopher Halloran on Shutterstock

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.