Schumer Threatens Government Shutdown Over Democratic Demands

Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer is now openly threatening to shut down the federal government at the end of the month unless Republicans agree to a laundry list of Democrat demands on health care spending and foreign aid.

The hardline stance marks a sharp reversal for Schumer, who earlier this year sided with Republicans to avoid a shutdown — only to face furious backlash from the progressive base.

“Things have changed,” Schumer told the Associated Press on Thursday, insisting that Democrats are now unified behind him and House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Their new position: no spending bill unless it includes health care guarantees and protections against clawbacks of previously approved funding.

Schumer even suggested that a shutdown would not significantly worsen tensions with President Donald J. Trump, whom he attacked directly: “It will get worse with or without it, because Trump is lawless.”

Democrats Dig in on Demands

Republicans are working on a short-term stopgap bill to keep the government running past Sept. 30. But Schumer declared that Democrats will not sign on unless it includes:

• Expanded Obamacare tax credits before they expire at the end of the year
• Reversal of Medicaid cuts passed in President Trump’s signature tax and spending reform package
• Foreign aid protections, preventing the White House from blocking or rescinding already appropriated funds

In recent months, the Trump administration has halted nearly $5 billion in foreign aid and cut another $9 billion at the president’s request. Schumer denounced those actions, saying: “How do you pass an appropriations bill and let them undo it down the road?”

Betting on a Shutdown

Schumer’s new threat to force a shutdown contrasts sharply with his approach back in March, when he justified siding with Republicans by saying a shutdown would hand Trump even more power. “I did what I thought was right,” Schumer now says, calling the present fight “a different situation.”

At that time, most Senate Democrats opposed his vote, Jeffries distanced himself, and left-wing activists demanded Schumer resign. This time, however, Schumer and Jeffries are projecting a united front.

Behind closed doors this week, Schumer reportedly showed Senate Democrats internal polling that he claims proves Americans would blame Trump — not Democrats — if the government shuts down.

Republicans aren’t buying it. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has said repeatedly that Schumer must put forward a concrete health care proposal if he expects Republicans to deal. “If Democrats want to keep the government open, they need to come to the table instead of threatening shutdowns,” one GOP aide told reporters.

With deadlines fast approaching, Schumer appears willing to gamble — betting that holding federal workers’ paychecks and essential services hostage will strengthen his leverage against the White House.