Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has thrown his support behind the Republican-led continuing resolution (CR), drawing sharp backlash from members of his own party. His decision to back the stopgap funding measure has led to outrage among House Democrats, who had opposed the legislation in near-unanimous fashion earlier this week.
Schumer, speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, defended his position, calling the GOP’s proposal deeply flawed but arguing that a government shutdown would be worse. “While the Republican bill is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse,” he said.
His decision has angered House Democrats, who believed they were unified in opposition to the bill. Some lawmakers described the reaction in private messages as a “complete meltdown.” Reports indicate that multiple members are considering launching primary challenges against Schumer and other Senate Democrats who vote in favor of the measure.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) commended his caucus for opposing the GOP bill during a retreat Thursday. When he mentioned Senate Democrats, members responded with boos, underscoring the growing rift between the chambers.
Schumer’s decision comes amid criticism from progressives, who have accused him of surrendering to Republican priorities. During an MSNBC appearance Thursday night, he made headlines after referring to Republicans as “bastards” before quickly retracting the comment. He warned that a shutdown would give Trump and his allies the ability to cut social programs and lay off federal workers.
President Donald Trump, on the other hand, welcomed Schumer’s announcement, calling it a courageous move. Trump’s praise has only further fueled frustration among progressives, who see Schumer’s actions as a major concession to the former president’s agenda.
The Senate is set to vote on the bill Friday, with at least eight Democrats needed to push the legislation through. House Democrats are making a last-minute push to convince Senate colleagues to oppose the measure, though Schumer’s decision suggests enough Democrats may back the bill to prevent a shutdown.
