Chuck Schumer announced that Senate Democrats will reject the Republican-led government funding bill as a shutdown nears. He stated that Republicans lack the necessary votes to advance their House-approved measure.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that government funding should be a bipartisan effort. However, he criticized Republicans for drafting a funding bill without any Democratic input. Due to this exclusion, Schumer declared that the measure lacks the votes needed to proceed in the Senate. Instead, he advocated for a one-month funding extension to allow further negotiations.
“Our caucus stands united behind a clean April 11 funding extension to prevent a shutdown,” Chuck Schumer stated. He urged Republicans to collaborate to avoid government closure by the Friday deadline.
Democratic senators debated the issue in a closed meeting, split between opposing the bill outright and preventing a shutdown. The federal government will shut down if no funding law is signed by Friday. President Donald Trump supports the House-approved legislation. Since Republicans control 53 Senate seats, they require Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster.
Senator Tim Kaine affirmed that Democrats had no role in shaping the bill and demand amendment opportunities. However, some Democrats worry that rejecting the bill could lead to a worse scenario. Senator Raphael Warnock called the situation a difficult dilemma, as both a shutdown and the bill’s passage could negatively impact citizens. He also criticized the bill for advancing executive power over congressional authority.
Outside the Democratic caucus meeting, discussions grew heated. Senator Mark Kelly admitted weighing the lesser of two evils, while Senator John Fetterman supported the bill to avoid a shutdown. Other Democrats, including Senator Tina Smith, favored a short-term solution to finalize an appropriations agreement.
Republicans remain reluctant to accept a one-month extension, preferring a measure lasting through the fiscal year. The House narrowly passed a six-month funding bill, with a vote of 217-213. Senate Democrats fear that passing the measure would set a precedent of excluding them from negotiations. Schumer insists that Democrats will not support a bill crafted without bipartisan collaboration. The shutdown deadline remains an urgent concern.
