US Democrats threaten their leader with resignation over government shutdown vote
Photo: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, whom party members are urging to resign (Getty Images)
An internal conflict has erupted within the US Democratic Party after eight Democratic senators supported a temporary budget proposed by Republicans to end the government shutdown, according to Politico.
A political rift has erupted within the US Democratic Party after eight Democratic senators voted in favor of a temporary budget proposed by Republicans to end the government shutdown.
The vote took place on Sunday, and the measure passed despite opposition from part of the Democratic caucus.
According to Politico, several Democrats sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling for his resignation. Although Schumer himself voted against the bill, his colleagues accused him of failing to unite the party.
Representative Ro Khanna said Schumer was "no longer effective and should be replaced,” adding, "If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?"
After 40 days of stalled negotiations, eight Democratic senators supported the Republican proposal aimed at ending the longest shutdown in US history. Critics argued that had Schumer negotiated more effectively, Democrats could have maintained unity on healthcare funding.
Senator Chris Murphy called the approved measure a "mistake" that fails to meet voters’ expectations following the Democrats’ recent electoral gains.
"This bill doesn’t do anything to arrest the health care catastrophe, nor does it constrain in any meaningful way President Trump’s illegality," Murphy emphasized.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin condemned the deal as "a betrayal of the American people," but noted that most Senate Democrats "refused to be part of the Republican assault on Americans’ healthcare."
The US government shutdown began on October 1, marking the longest in the country’s history, lasting over 40 days. It stemmed from disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare subsidies.
While Democrats insisted on maintaining benefits, Republicans opposed them. The shutdown caused mass layoffs and furloughs among federal employees and inflicted significant economic losses on the US.
The growing public frustration eventually pushed both parties toward compromise, resulting in the Senate’s passage of the funding bill supported by a portion of Democrats, a move that could finally bring the historic shutdown to an end, pending one final step.
