House Democrats are rallying against a Republican-backed spending bill aimed at averting a government shutdown, marking their first major stand against President Donald Trump’s second term. However, divisions within the Democratic Party are emerging, as Senate Democrats adopt a more cautious approach, leaving their strategy unclear.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has made it clear that House Democrats will vote in unison to oppose the GOP’s stopgap funding bill, forcing Republican Speaker Mike Johnson to rely solely on his party’s votes. The bill, which faces significant opposition from both parties, is set for a House vote on Tuesday.
While House Democrats are united in their opposition, Senate Democrats are treading carefully. Many are wary of being blamed for a potential government shutdown, while others fear backlash from their base if they are seen as capitulating to Trump without securing any concessions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has yet to outline a clear position, leaving House Democrats frustrated and uncertain about their Senate counterparts’ plans.
“It would be a capitulation to the Trump style of democracy, which is the movement of democracy to dictatorship,” said Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), expressing the frustration felt by many House Democrats.
Senate Democrats, including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), have criticized the House GOP bill but stopped short of outright opposing it. Kaine called the bill “very bad” but avoided committing to a position, while Ossoff emphasized the need to avoid a shutdown without explicitly rejecting the GOP plan.
The lack of coordination between House and Senate Democrats has fueled internal tensions. Some House Democrats are openly critical of Schumer’s leadership, with one centrist lawmaker anonymously stating, “If Chuck Schumer can’t get us a better vote, he should resign.”
House Democrats argue that their Senate colleagues must take a stronger stand to reflect the anger of their base over Trump’s policies, including federal layoffs, agency dismantling, and cuts to safety net programs. “This is the only leverage that we have. Americans want us to do something,” said Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA).
In the Senate, at least eight Democrats would need to support the bill to overcome opposition from GOP Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). However, several battleground Democrats remain noncommittal, and progressive senators like Cory Booker (D-NJ) have signaled strong opposition. “They can’t get this done without Democratic support,” Booker said.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are scrambling to secure enough votes to pass the bill. Speaker Johnson expressed confidence, stating, “I feel good, I think we’ll have the votes,” after speaking with Trump. The president has been personally calling undecided Republicans, including Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), to rally support.
The House Freedom Caucus, a group of ultra-conservative Republicans, endorsed the bill after a Monday night meeting. However, with at least three Republicans opposed and several others undecided, the outcome remains uncertain.
House Democrats, including moderates, plan to present a unified front against the bill. Jeffries and Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) have emphasized that Democrats will not support a plan they believe harms the American people. “House Democrats will not be complicit in the Republican effort to hurt the American people,” Jeffries said.
As the House prepares for Tuesday’s vote, all eyes are on the Senate, where Democrats face a critical decision: accept the GOP bill or risk a government shutdown. The outcome could have significant political ramifications for both parties.
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