Democrats are seething after eight members of their Senate caucus collaborated with Republicans on a compromise to end the longest government shutdown in US history, without winning healthcare concessions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces calls to resign after leading a weeks-long stand against reopening the government without extending tax credits for Affordable Care Act health plans.
Progressive groups and some lawmakers have criticised Schumer's leadership. Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, wrote that Schumer should resign immediately, calling it a 'colossal leadership failure'. Our Revolution executive director Joseph Geevarghese said Schumer should step down, accusing him of being either a liar or inept.
Three House Democrats have called for Schumer to step aside, including Mike Levin, Ro Khanna, and Rashida Tlaib. However, no Democratic senators have joined the calls, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed support for Schumer, saying he is effective and should keep his post.
The rebellion echoes a similar backlash earlier this year when Schumer initially opposed a short-term funding measure before voting for it, prompting calls for new leadership from liberal groups. Schumer survived then, and his office collaborated with those same groups on the recent shutdown strategy.
The shutdown began 41 days ago, with Democrats holding firm as Republicans held 14 fruitless votes on reopening the government without addressing ACA subsidies. House Speaker Mike Johnson put representatives on recess, refusing to negotiate. The compromise now risks passing without Democratic demands.
