Senate Democrats Face Backlash Over Spending Bill Vote
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s recent decision to support a Republican-led spending bill has sparked significant dissent among House Democrats. The announcement has been met with widespread disapproval, particularly from those who feel it undermines party unity.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, expressed the sentiment of betrayal felt by many in her party. “I think there is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal and this is not just progressive Democrats — this is across the board, the entire party,” she stated during a retreat in Virginia.
The decision comes amid a backdrop of concern from House Democrats about how their Senate counterparts would respond to the GOP bill, which had been overwhelmingly opposed by House Democrats earlier in the week. This vote had been seen as a critical moment of unity with hopes that the Senate would echo the sentiment.
Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., a key voice among House progressives, emphasized the broader implications of Schumer’s decision. “If we give in on this, we’re going to give in on a whole bunch of things,” she warned, underscoring the potential for future concessions.
Schumer defended his choice on the Senate floor, arguing that avoiding a government shutdown is a priority. However, this rationale was quickly challenged by some House members. New York Rep. Joe Morelle, part of the centrist New Democrat coalition, noted, “I think they’re going to rue the day they made this decision.”
Ocasio-Cortez countered Schumer’s argument, stating that passing the continuing resolution could solidify “the chaos and the reckless cuts” associated with prominent figures like Elon Musk. She urged senators to reconsider their stance, advocating for a “30-day clean extension” to facilitate bipartisan negotiations.
As the debate unfolds, Democratic leaders like New Mexico’s Gabe Vasquez call for cohesion within the Senate. Vasquez urged Schumer to unite his caucus in a demonstration of commitment to the American public. The sentiment was echoed by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who, along with other leaders, issued a statement condemning the GOP bill’s potential impact on Americans.
Jeffries and his colleagues emphasized their readiness to support a temporary resolution that would allow for continued discussions, reiterating their opposition to the current Senate proposal.
