WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer doubled down Friday on his intent to advance a House-passed six-month government funding bill despite the strong opposition of many Democrats.
Schumer’s comments have provoked strong reactions from across the Democratic Party.
Schumer’s comments Friday
“As I announced yesterday, I will vote to keep the government open. I believe it is the best way to minimize the harm that the Trump Administration will do to the American people.
“Cleary, this is a Hobson’s choice, the CR is a bad bill. But as bad as the CR is, I believe allowing Donald Trump to take even much more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option. A shutdown would allow DOGE to shift into overdrive. It would give Donald Trump and DOGE the keys to the city, state, and country.
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“In a shutdown, Donald Trump and DOGE will have the power to determine what is considered essential and what is not, and their views on what is not essential could be mean and vicious, and would decimate vital services and cause unimaginable harm to the American people.
“If government were to shut down, DOGE has a plan in place to exploit the crisis for maximum destruction. In a shutdown, American families would be hurt in ways they almost never have been.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, a former speaker of the House, broke with Schumer in encouraging lawmakers to follow the House Democratic lead and vote “no” on the continuing resolution.
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“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have offered the Congress a false choice between a government shutdown or a blank check that makes a devastating assault on the well-being of working families across America. Let’s be clear: neither is a good option for the American people. But this false choice that some are buying instead of fighting is unacceptable. I salute Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his courageous rejection of this false choice, and I am proud of my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus for their overwhelming vote against this bill.
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“Democratic senators should listen to the women. Appropriations leaders Rosa DeLauro and Patty Murray have eloquently presented the case that we must have a better choice: a four-week funding extension to keep government open and negotiate a bipartisan agreement. America has experienced a Trump shutdown before, but this damaging legislation only makes matters worse. Democrats must not buy into this false choice. We must fight back for a better way. Listen to the women, for The People.
Sen. John Fetterman
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania agreed with Schumer on Friday, telling reporters that shutting the government down would be a “f—— disaster” and that Democrats are “bringing casserole to a knife fight.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders
Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, argues the bill would “literally take food out of the mouths of hungry children, take healthcare away from seniors, and give a huge tax break to the wealthiest people on the planet.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said the House bill would give Trump and Musk “a blank check to spend your taxpayer money however they want.”
Sen. Jeff Merkley
Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon called the House Republican plan “horrific,” saying his party should say, “Hell no.”
Sen. Patty Murray
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, called the House bill a “dumpster fire.” She’s planning to vote “no.”
