Democrats Are United in Fear of Another Shutdown Surrender

"In March, Republicans forced them into a trap where they either had to vote for another GOP-sponsored stopgap-spending measure, which offered Democrats zero concessions, or obstruct it and trigger a shutdown, punishing the government employees who were already being besieged by Elon Musk's DOGE and other Trump administration attacks. In the House, where Democrats had no power at all, it was an easy choice: They all voted against the GOP measure."

"But in the Senate, where a filibuster could have very definitely stopped the bill, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer did a lot of saber-rattling but then caved, rounding up enough votes to end the filibuster and ensure the government stayed open. Democratic activists were infuriated, and House Democrats suggested Senate Democrats were gutless. The whole episode accomplished nothing other than underlining Democratic Party fecklessness, the lack of unified party leadership, and the whip hand held by the bully Donald Trump and his subalterns in Congress."

Republicans in March presented Democrats with a stopgap spending measure offering zero concessions, forcing a choice between voting for it or triggering a shutdown that would harm government employees. House Democrats unanimously rejected the GOP measure, while Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, ended a potential filibuster and voted to keep the government open. Activists criticized the Senate decision as showing party fecklessness and weak leadership. The spending authority expires September 30, and Republicans are again offering a short-term extension until November 20 without concessions. Senate leader Schumer and House leader Hakeem Jeffries now coordinate strategy as Democrats leverage demands, including curbing Budget Director Russell Vought.

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