Senate Democrats say they’ll oppose GOP funding bill as government shutdown deadline looms

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Leads Democratic Opposition to Republican Spending Bill

As the Friday midnight deadline approaches for Congress to avoid a government shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., made it clear that Democrats will oppose the spending bill drafted by Republicans. Schumer criticized the GOP for advancing a partisan Continuing Resolution (CR) without input from Democrats, emphasizing that funding the government should be a bipartisan effort. On the Senate floor and through a post on X, Schumer argued that Republicans lack the votes needed to pass their proposed CR in the Senate. Instead, Schumer called for a clean, 30-day CR that would keep the government open until April 11, allowing more time for bipartisan negotiations on a broader spending bill. Schumer’s stance reflects the unity of the Democratic caucus, which is rejecting the Republican-drafted bill that passed the House on a nearly party-line vote of 217-213.

Schumer’s opposition to the GOP’s six-month CR, which would fund the government through September 30, is rooted in concerns about the bill’s partisan nature and its potential to undermine bipartisan cooperation. Democrats argue that the bill, which increases military spending while cutting non-defense domestic programs, does not reflect their priorities or input. By advocating for a shorter CR, Schumer aims to ensure that Democrats have a seat at the negotiating table and can work toward a more balanced and bipartisan solution.

Democratic Senators Express Concerns and Dilemmas Over the Spending Bill

While Schumer has called for Democratic unity in opposition to the Republican-drafted CR, some Democratic senators have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a government shutdown. After a lunch meeting with Democratic senators on Wednesday, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told reporters that there are currently not enough votes to pass the GOP’s bill in the Senate. Kaine emphasized that Democrats had no role in drafting the bill and are insisting on the opportunity to propose amendments. This sentiment was echoed by Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., who called the situation a difficult dilemma. Warnock noted that both outcomes—passing the Republican bill or shutting down the government—would harm ordinary Americans. He also criticized the bill for advancing what he described as a power grab by the executive branch, undermining Congress’s authority over federal spending.

Other Democratic senators are weighing their options carefully. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., has not yet stated whether he would support the bill, acknowledging that backing the six-month CR could set a bad precedent by allowing Republicans to pass funding bills without Democratic input. On the other hand, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has expressed support for the CR to avoid a shutdown, while Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., emphasized that Democrats are united in their desire to keep the government open but should vote for a short-term bill to allow for further negotiations. These differing positions highlight the internal debate within the Democratic caucus as they navigate a challenging legislative landscape.

Senate Republicans Push Back with "Schumer Shutdown" Messaging

As the Senate prepares for a critical vote on the spending bill, Republicans have begun coining the term "Schumer Shutdown" to frame the potential government shutdown as a consequence of Democratic obstruction. This messaging is part of a broader effort by Republicans to shift blame for the impasse onto Schumer and the Democratic caucus. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has signaled openness to negotiations with Democrats, suggesting that Republicans might be willing to consider amendments to the CR in an effort to secure bipartisan support.

President Donald Trump, who supports the six-month CR, has also weighed in on the debate. Trump’s administration views the bill as a key step toward advancing his agenda on issues like border security and tax policy during the early stages of his second term. However, the bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome a potential filibuster. With Republicans holding only 53 seats, the GOP will need at least eight Democrats to cross the aisle and support the measure.

The Role of the White House and Centrist Democrats in the CR Debate

Despite Schumer’s vocal opposition to the Republican-drafted CR, multiple White House sources have suggested that the Senate Minority Leader may ultimately allow centrist Democrats to join Republicans in supporting the bill. According to Politico, one White House official expressed confidence that Schumer would “swallow it” and permit enough Democrats to vote for the CR to avoid a shutdown. This prediction reflects the reality that some moderate Democrats may feel pressure to support the bill, particularly in light of the potential consequences of a shutdown for their constituents.

The dynamics of the CR debate also underscore the broader challenges facing Schumer as he seeks to maintain unity within his caucus. While progressive Democrats are firmly opposed to the Republican-drafted bill, centrist lawmakers from swing states or districts may feel compelled to break ranks and support the measure. This tension highlights the delicate balancing act Schumer must perform as he navigates the complexities of Senate politics and trabalenguas to avoid a shutdown.

Implications of the Spending Bill for Bipartisan Governance

The debate over the Continuing Resolution has significant implications for the future of bipartisan governance in Congress. By advancing a partisan spending bill without Democratic input, Republicans have drawn criticism for undermining the collaborative process that is typically required to pass major legislation. Schumer and other Democrats argue that the GOP’s approach sets a dangerous precedent, as it suggests that the majority party can unilaterally impose its will on critical issues like federal spending.

On the other hand, Republicans contend that their bill reflects the priorities of the American people and that Democrats are simply refusing to engage in good-faith negotiations. This impasse highlights the deepening partisan divides in Washington, where both sides are increasingly unwilling to compromise on key issues. The outcome of the CR debate will likely set the tone for the remainder of the legislative session, as lawmakers confront a range of contentious topics in the months ahead.

The Path Forward: Negotiations, Amendments, and the Risk of Shutdown

As the clock ticks down to Friday’s deadline, both parties are engaged in a high-stakes game of political brinkmanship. Republicans are insisting that it is too late to consider a shorter CR, given that the House is already in recess until March 24. However, Senate Democrats remain committed to their demand for a 30-day CR, arguing that this would provide a much-needed window for bipartisan negotiations.

At the same time, Senate Majority Leader Thune has left the door open for potential amendments to the CR, raising the possibility of last-minute concessions to win over Democratic support. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., has sharply criticized Republicans for excluding Democrats from the negotiating process, calling it “ridiculous” to blame the minority party for the impasse. His comments reflect the broader frustration among Democrats, who argue that Republicans are attempting to shift responsibility for the shutdown onto their shoulders.

Ultimately, the path forward will depend on whether centrist Democrats can be persuaded to support the Republican-drafted CR or whether Schumer can maintain enough unity within his caucus to force a shorter-term solution. With the stakes high and the clock ticking, the outcome of this spending bill debate will have far-reaching consequences for the federal government, congressional relations, and the American people.