WASHINGTON — Democrats and progressives exploded with outrage after the Senate took a giant step toward reopening the government Sunday night, with many calling for Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s ouster.
Schumer (D-NY), who voted against the bipartisan package to end the longest government shutdown in US history, was slammed for failing to prevent five Democratic defections that allowed the measure to advance, despite Republicans making no concessions on keeping ObamaCare subsidies due to expire at the end of this year.
“Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced,” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) chided on X. “If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?”
“Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership,” jeered Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), who launched his primary challenge to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) last month, on X. “If @ChuckSchumer were an effective leader, he would have united his caucus to vote ‘No’ tonight and hold the line on healthcare.
“Maybe now @EdMarkey will finally join me in pledging not to vote for Schumer [as conference leader after the 2026 elections]?”
Democratic candidates trying to unseat Senate Republicans next year also made their displeasure clear.
“Chuck Schumer is not built for this moment,” wrote Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, who homes to challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), on X.
“Chuck Schumer has failed us,” agreed Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls, running for the open seat held by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).
The quintet — Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada — voted to end debate on a deal whose main terms had been offered by Republicans weeks ago.
In exchange for their vote to advance the package, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) agreed to give Democrats a vote on extending the enhanced Obamacare subsidies, but did not guarantee its passage — and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hasn’t even committed to taking the measure up in the lower chamber.
Republicans also agreed to rehire federal workers who were laid off during the shutdown and provide back pay to all government employees who went without pay during the funding lapse.
To many Democrats, it was a slap in the face following the party’s strong showing in the Nov. 4 elections.
“Tonight’s Senate vote on the federal government shutdown should have been a time for strength,” fumed California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Instead we saw capitulation and a betrayal of working Americans. The American people need more from their leaders.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also lashed out against the bipartisan deal.
“Ending the shutdown shouldn’t come at the expense of health care for tens of millions of Americans,” she sniped. “This deal paves the way for devastating premium hikes that will drive up costs for New Yorkers. Count me out.”
“This ‘deal’ dramatically hikes healthcare premiums and only exacerbates the affordability crisis,” added NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. “It should be rejected, as should any politics willing to compromise on the basic needs of working people.”
The bipartisan deal, which will fund the government through Jan. 30, 2026, and fund government programs related to veterans, the military, and the Department of Agriculture through Sept. 30, 2026, is expected to clear the Senate as early as Monday.
The House will likely approve the measure later this week, sending it to President Trump’s desk.
