Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has warned that Democrats may allow a government shutdown at the end of the month if Republicans fail to meet key demands on health care and federal spending. The announcement marks a sharp turnaround for Schumer, who earlier this year sided with Republicans to keep the government open, a move that drew criticism from his party.
In a Thursday interview, Schumer said the current situation differs from March. “Things have changed,” he explained, noting that Republicans have since passed President Trump’s tax breaks and spending legislation, which included reductions to Medicaid and other programs. Unlike in the spring, Schumer said, Democrats are now unified in opposing any funding bill that does not include protections for health care programs.
Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries are insisting that any government funding measure include key health care provisions and guarantees that these protections will not be rolled back. Schumer emphasized that Democrats are willing to risk a shutdown rather than compromise on these priorities.
He added that a shutdown would not necessarily exacerbate tensions with the White House, describing relations with President Trump as already hostile. “It will get worse with or without it, because Trump is lawless,” Schumer said.
Republicans are reportedly considering a short-term stopgap measure to keep the government funded beyond Sept. 30. Schumer, however, stressed that Democrats will not support such a plan unless it includes health care protections and preserves foreign aid funding.
