Schumer’s Backing for GOP Spending Bill Could Avert Government Shutdown

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer addressed the Senate floor Thursday evening, indicating his support for advancing a crucial stopgap spending bill. This legislation must pass before midnight Friday to avert a partial government shutdown.

Schumer criticized the continuing resolution (CR), labeling it as deeply flawed. “While the CR bill is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Despite his concerns, Schumer expressed a preference for the current CR over the risk of empowering former President Donald Trump amid a shutdown. “Allowing Donald Trump to take even more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option,” he added.

The Senate is set for its first procedural vote on the bill Friday, but reaching a final passage requires agreements on timing from both parties. Schumer had recently pointed out that Republicans lacked the 60 votes necessary to advance the bill, positioning the government toward a funding lapse that would significantly impact federal operations.

His latest comments suggest a shift in strategy, as it appears enough Democrats are willing to align with Republicans to facilitate the bill’s progress, despite dissent within their ranks. Some Democrats are advocating for protest against Trump’s actions and are seeking assurances regarding federal spending.

During a partial shutdown, federal agencies gain discretion over which employees will continue working, leaving those who are sent home without pay until a funding agreement is reached. Schumer underscored the dangers of giving more power to the executive branch during a shutdown. “The decision on what is essential would be solely left to the executive branch,” he warned. This uncertainty could further disrupt federal operations.

Schumer also emphasized the political implications of a shutdown, stating, “Right now, Donald Trump owns the chaos in the government. He owns the chaos in the stock market.” He accused Trump of hoping for a shutdown to distract from his broader economic agenda, which Schumer argues disproportionately benefits the wealthy.

While Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, with 53 seats, dissenting voices like Senator Rand Paul raise the stakes for advancing the CR. This means at least eight Democrats must join the GOP for the resolution to progress. Schumer and Senator John Fetterman have committed support but still require six additional Democratic votes.

The House narrowly passed the stopgap spending bill earlier this week, primarily along party lines. Lawmakers had aimed to finalize a series of annual funding bills ahead of October 1, but failed to reach a timely consensus, resulting in a reliance on continuing resolutions.

Speaker Mike Johnson introduced the latest resolution, which will fund the government through September, effectively shelving broader negotiations on longer-term financial agreements. This move may allow Republicans, who gained unified control of government last November, to focus on internal negotiations regarding the extension of the 2017 tax law and addressing the anticipated deficits.