Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is facing heavy criticism from members of his own party after signaling support for the Republican-led continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government. His decision to break from House Democrats, who largely opposed the measure, has led to an internal revolt within the party.
Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Schumer admitted that the GOP’s bill was deeply flawed but claimed that allowing a shutdown would be far worse. He argued that keeping the government open was necessary to prevent Trump from using the crisis to consolidate power.
His decision has sparked outrage among House Democrats, who nearly unanimously voted against the bill in the House. Reports indicate that members were furious, with some calling the situation a “total meltdown.” There is now growing talk of primary challenges to Schumer and any Senate Democrat who supports the legislation.
During a retreat Thursday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) praised House Democrats for standing firm against the bill. When he mentioned Senate Democrats, members responded with a chorus of boos, signaling their frustration with the upper chamber’s leadership.
Schumer’s appearance on MSNBC later that night only fueled the controversy. In a heated exchange, he referred to Republicans as “bastards” before immediately walking back the comment. He accused Trump and Musk of pushing for a shutdown to force deep federal spending cuts and mass firings of government workers.
Trump, on the other hand, celebrated Schumer’s decision, saying it was the right move. His praise has only added to progressive anger, with some Democrats accusing Schumer of caving to Trump’s agenda. With Senate Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, at least eight Democrats must vote with them for the bill to clear the 60-vote threshold.
House Democrats are now scrambling to rally opposition, urging Senate Democrats to reject the bill before Friday’s deadline. Some members have vowed to fund primary challenges against senators who support the measure, signaling a deeper divide within the party heading into the next election cycle.
