Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has announced his support for the Republican-led continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded, triggering outrage among House Democrats who had strongly opposed the measure. With a government shutdown looming, Schumer said he would vote in favor of the bill despite calling it “very bad.”
Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Schumer acknowledged the flaws in the GOP plan but argued that allowing a shutdown would be worse. “A shutdown would give Donald Trump the keys to the city, the state and the country,” he said, adding that vulnerable Americans would suffer the most.
The House narrowly passed the GOP-backed CR earlier in the week, largely without Democratic input. House Democrats had overwhelmingly voted against it, expecting Senate Democrats to hold the line. Instead, Schumer’s decision has left them feeling betrayed, with text chains among members described as a “complete meltdown.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) praised House Democrats for opposing the bill during a retreat Thursday. When he mentioned Senate Democrats, members responded with loud boos. Furious lawmakers have reportedly discussed primary challenges against Schumer, with some pointing to progressive Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Dan Goldman (D-NY) as potential challengers.
Schumer’s decision follows days of criticism from progressives who accused him of caving to GOP demands. He faced additional scrutiny Thursday night after an appearance on MSNBC, where he referred to Republicans as “bastards” before quickly apologizing. He argued that a shutdown would allow Trump and his allies to seize control of government operations, cutting programs and eliminating federal jobs.
President Donald Trump, however, applauded Schumer’s move, calling it “the right thing” and praising his “guts” for making the decision. Meanwhile, Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning at least eight Democrats are needed to advance the bill past the filibuster threshold.
With the Senate expected to vote Friday ahead of the midnight deadline, House Democrats are scrambling to pressure their Senate counterparts to oppose the measure. Some members have even vowed to personally fund efforts to recruit primary challengers against Senate Democrats who back the bill.
