Chuck Schumer defending his choice
On March 22, another controversy came due to senate minority leader Chuck Schumer of NY (D) deciding to side with Republicans. Specifically, voting for extending the government funding, breaking the tie between Republicans and Democrats. After Senator Schumer claimed he wouldn’t have the votes on Thursday. To be clear, if he hadn’t initially signed the bill, it is possible the government could have shut down. He justified his argument by stating that a government shutdown would be far worse than passing the GOP bill. In addition, he argued that with a government shutdown, Trump and Elon Musk would have even more power to cut the government workforce.
However, Schumer infuriated other Democrats in the house as on the day of the voting, house minority leader Hakeem Jeffries NY (D) held a news conference with senate democrats urging them to reject the bill. On the other hand, Jefferies encouraged Democratic senators to at least hold on to the bill and negotiate for a better deal. “It’s an unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American spending bill. That’s why House Democrats remain strongly opposed,”- Said Jefferies. Since the decision, house democrats have voiced their anger on the subject.
“I think they’re going to rue the day they made this decision,” said New York Rep. Joe Morelle (D)
“I cannot underscore enough how incorrect that is, because what voting for this CR does is that it codifies the chaos and the reckless cuts that Elon Musk has been pursuing,” she said. “That is what Senate Democrats will be empowering if they vote for the CR.”- Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. NY (D)
When Hakeem Jefferies was questioned on it, he denied commenting
Schumer’s choice displayed a lack of communication in their effort to stand up to Donald Trump. Although reported by Today.YouGov says Republicans have a 44% favorability rating. Given the poll data, it does seem like Republicans have a slight edge over Democrats. But it is possible that the majority of constituents dislike both parties. Currently, it is unknown if Democrats will try to find better means of opposing Trump if the party tries a new strategy.
Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/democratic-party-hits-new-polling-low-voters-want-fight-trump-harder-rcna196161
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-vote-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-rcna196412
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/13/nx-s1-5327600/house-democrats-outrage-spending
https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/trackers/the-republican-party-favorability