US Government Shutdown Likely Averted as Schumer Shifts Stance

The United States might prevent a government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer now supports a Republican-backed funding bill. Previously, he had vowed to block it.

Schumer Changes Stance

On Thursday, Schumer reversed his position. At first, he and other Democrats opposed the bill, which funds the government through September. However, he now believes rejecting it could be worse. As a result, some Democrats may also support it. Even so, others remain strongly against it. Now, the party faces a tough choice.

Shutdown Risks Loom

Democrats have two options. First, they can support the bill and keep the government running. Otherwise, they can reject it and risk blame for a shutdown. If no deal is reached, the government will close at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday (03:59 GMT on Saturday).

Meanwhile, Schumer warned about the dangers of a shutdown.

“There are no winners in a government shutdown,” he stated. He called the situation a “Hobson’s choice,” meaning there was no real alternative. “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.”

Even though he criticized the Republican bill as highly partisan, he argued that shutting down the government would be worse. Furthermore, he warned that the bill gives Trump and Elon Musk too much power to cut government services quickly.

Progressive Democrats Feel Betrayed

However, many progressive Democrats strongly disagree with Schumer.

For instance, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told CNN that Democrats felt “a deep sense of outrage and betrayal.”

Similarly, Senator Elizabeth Warren opposed the bill. She warned it gives Trump and Musk “a blank cheque to spend your taxpayer money however they want.”

Likewise, Senator Elissa Slotkin said she would vote against it. She fears the bill will cut infrastructure funding in Michigan, the state she represents.

Senate Vote Expected Friday

The Senate vote is set for Friday afternoon. Since Republicans hold the majority, they need support from some Democrats. However, Senate rules require 60 votes to pass most bills.

Therefore, Democrats do not have enough votes to pass their own funding bill. Yet, if they remain united, they can still block the Republican measure.

Because of this, progressives want the party to take a strong stand against Trump. Nevertheless, doing so comes with risks.

Some Conservatives Want a Shutdown

On the other hand, some conservatives welcome a shutdown. They believe it will remove wasteful programs.

In fact, Musk has argued that a shutdown would help identify “non-essential” government functions. He wants to eliminate them through his proposed Department of Government Efficiency.

If a shutdown happens, Republicans will likely blame Democrats. At the same time, a prolonged closure will harm government workers and the very programs Democrats want to protect.

House Republicans Attach Conditions

On Wednesday, the Republican-controlled House passed the bill. However, it includes several conditions.

For example, the measure increases military spending by $6 billion. At the same time, it cuts $13 billion from non-defense programs. Additionally, it provides more funds for border enforcement.

Moreover, it makes it harder for Democrats to reverse Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.

As a result, many Democrats refuse to support the bill unless they can make changes.