Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) says the government shutdown is a "self-inflicted wound" by Republicans, and he says "failed leadership" is to blame for the impasse.

The senator spoke with News 12 Connecticut Saturday morning on the shutdown.

He says Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump need to come to the negotiating table.

Blumenthal, who has also taken to social media to share his views on the shutdown, says lawmakers will be working hard to come to an agreement that gets the government back up and running.