The United States may avoid a government shutdown after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced his support for a Republican-backed spending bill to keep the government funded through September. Schumer’s reversal on Thursday comes after he initially vowed to block the bill, signaling a potential shift in the Democratic stance as the shutdown deadline looms.
The government faces a shutdown if a funding agreement is not reached by 23:59 ET on Friday. Schumer’s decision could encourage other Democrats to support the bill, though it remains unclear how many will follow his lead. Democrats are now faced with a difficult choice: help Republicans pass the bill or oppose it and risk being blamed for a shutdown.
“There are no winners in a government shutdown,” Schumer said during a speech on the Senate floor. “It’s not really a decision, it’s a Hobson’s choice: Either proceed with the bill before us or risk Donald Trump throwing America into the chaos of a shutdown. This in my view is no choice at all.”
Schumer criticized the Republican-led bill as deeply partisan but expressed concerns about the consequences of a shutdown. He warned that a shutdown would give President Trump and Elon Musk, who is leading efforts to slash federal spending, a “carte blanche to destroy vital government services at a significantly faster rate than they can right now.”
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday, which includes a $6 billion increase in military spending while cutting $13 billion from non-defense programs. It also allocates additional funds for border enforcement and includes a provision that makes it harder for Democrats to challenge Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
Despite Schumer’s support, many Democrats remain opposed to the bill, arguing that it prioritizes military spending at the expense of critical domestic programs. They have demanded the ability to amend the bill, but Senate rules require 60 votes to pass most legislation, meaning Democrats could block the bill if they remain united.
However, the political stakes are high. A government shutdown could disrupt essential services and programs, affecting federal workers and the public. Conservatives, including figures like Elon Musk, have suggested that a shutdown could help identify “non-essential” government functions to eliminate permanently. Republicans are also likely to blame Democrats for any shutdown, potentially damaging the party’s standing with voters.
Schumer’s decision reflects the difficult balancing act Democrats face as they navigate the political fallout of opposing the bill while trying to protect key programs and services. Votes on the measure are expected on Friday afternoon, with the outcome still uncertain.
For now, Schumer’s support offers a glimmer of hope that a shutdown can be averted, but the political brinksmanship continues as both parties weigh their next moves.
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