Schumer Faces Calls to Step Down After Shutdown Deal Sparks Democratic Infighting
WASHINGTON – Senate democratic Leader Chuck schumer is facing mounting pressure to relinquish his leadership position following a bipartisan deal to avert a government shutdown, a vote that exposed deep fissures within his party adn drew sharp criticism from fellow Democrats. The deal, finalized Monday, was met with disapproval from Schumer himself, who labeled it a ”Republican bill” despite the involvement of some members of his caucus in brokering the agreement.
The fallout has been swift and public. Eight Senate Democrats – representing 15% of the caucus - voted to reopen the government, directly opposing Schumer, who voted against the measure. This defiance has fueled calls for a change in leadership, with some arguing Schumer failed to maintain party unity during a critical moment.
“Republicans now own this healthcare crisis,” Schumer stated in a speech from the senate floor Monday, asserting they ignored Democratic proposals to address the issue.
However, the blame isn’t falling solely on Republicans. California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking at the Milken Institute’s Global Investors’ Symposium in São paulo, sharply criticized his Senate colleagues, saying they had ”rolled over.” “You don’t start something unless you’re going to finish,” Newsom said. “Why the hell did we do this in the first place? … Honestly, I don’t know what’s going on with my party.”
The discontent extends to those seeking office. Zach wahls, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Iowa, directly called for Schumer to step down, stating he had “failed to lead this party in one of its most critical moments.” Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts echoed this sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership.”
Despite the growing chorus of criticism, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly defended Schumer. When asked if Schumer remained an effective leader and should stay in his position, Jeffries responded, “yes and yes.” He further emphasized that “the overwhelming majority of Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer waged a valiant fight,” and directed his criticism towards the Democrats who crossed party lines. “I am not going to explain what a handful of Senate Democrats have decided to do,” Jeffries said.
Some, like Wahls, speculate that the moderate Democrats who voted with Republicans may have received private assurances from Schumer. “The fact that he voted against this deal, while he clearly gave it his blessing in private, is a perfect illustration of why people no longer trust the Democratic Party,” Wahls claimed.
The situation highlights the challenges facing Democrats as they attempt to navigate a closely divided Senate and address key policy priorities, particularly healthcare costs. With the focus now shifting to the House, Democrats there plan to oppose any deal that doesn’t address these concerns.
Reporting contributed by Wilner and Ceballos from Washington, and Gutierrez from São Paulo.
