Schumer faces criticism as shutdown nears end, but his job appears safe

"Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer led his caucus, and the country, into a record-breaking government shutdown and voted against reopening when a small group of his members defected. But there are still calls for him to step aside from Democrats who think he should have fought harder. It's a now-familiar position for the Democratic leader, who was pilloried by the liberal base in March when he voted with Republicans to keep the government open."

"The American people asked us over and over to fight for health care and to lower our costs overall, said Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who declined to say if she still had confidence in Schumer. Obviously that broke apart at the end. Our job is to deliver for the American people. We need to do that more effectively. No senator has explicitly called for his resignation as leader, and his job appears safe despite the criticism from outside."

Chuck Schumer led Senate Democrats into a record government shutdown and opposed reopening when a small number of his members defected. Some Democrats urged stronger resistance, citing earlier anger after Schumer's March vote with Republicans to keep the government open. Moderate senators joined Republicans to end the shutdown without extending health care subsidies Democrats had sought. Senators including Elizabeth Warren emphasized the need to fight for lower health care costs and deliver results. No senator has formally sought Schumer's resignation, and his leadership appears secure, though internal and base frustrations create potential future challenges.

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