Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is warning that he is prepared to let the government shut down at the end of the month unless Republicans agree to key Democratic demands on health care and spending priorities.
The stance marks a sharp turnaround for Schumer, who earlier this year angered many within his own party by siding with Republicans to keep the government open. He now argues that circumstances have shifted dramatically since that March vote.
“Things have changed,” Schumer said in an interview, pointing to Republican-backed tax and spending legislation under President Donald Trump that included cuts to Medicaid and other social programs. Unlike in the spring, he emphasized, Democrats are now united in their position.
Working alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Schumer insists that any new funding measure must contain health care protections and firm guarantees that those provisions cannot be rolled back. He also signaled that Democrats are ready to endure a shutdown rather than compromise on these points.
Republicans, meanwhile, are weighing a short-term stopgap bill to keep the government open past September 30. But Schumer has made clear that Democrats will block any plan unless it safeguards health care programs and preserves foreign aid commitments.
The clash is setting up a high-stakes standoff in Washington, with both parties bracing for a possible shutdown just days away…
