Schumer Backs GOP Spending Bill to Avert Shutdown, Sparks Party Clash
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced his support for a Republican-backed spending bill, triggering a significant divide within his party as the government faces a potential shutdown.
In a dramatic turn of events, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has decided to support a House-passed short-term spending bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to prevent a government shutdown. This decision, announced on Thursday evening, has led to a key procedural vote scheduled for Friday afternoon in the Senate. Schumer’s support for the bill comes with the belief that a shutdown would be detrimental, stating, “a shutdown would be a gift for President Donald Trump and Republicans.
The Senate will need 60 votes to overcome a legislative filibuster and move the stopgap bill to a final vote. The pressure is on, as a partial government shutdown looms if Congress fails to pass the spending bill by the midnight deadline on Friday. During a shutdown, non-essential federal services would halt, though essential services like national security and law enforcement would continue.
The decision has not been without controversy. While Schumer and some Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., have backed the CR, many within the Democratic party are vehemently opposed. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., criticized the House bill for lacking constraints on the Trump administration and advocated for a 30-day stopgap measure instead. The tension within the Democratic caucus was palpable, with reports of heated exchanges, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., reportedly yelling during a meeting.
As the clock ticks down, the Senate’s vote could determine the immediate future of government operations. If the procedural vote passes, a final vote could occur within the next day and a half, potentially sooner if an agreement on timing is reached between the parties. The outcome of Friday’s vote will be crucial in determining whether the government can continue to function without interruption.