Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday he is now ready to let the government shut down if Republicans refuse Democratic demands on health care and spending.
Earlier this year, Schumer sided with Republicans to avoid a shutdown, facing heavy criticism from Democrats. Now, he insists the political climate has changed and Democrats stand united with him.
Schumer said he and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries will block any funding bill that lacks protections for health care programs. He also demanded a promise not to cut them back.
He explained the March vote was different because Democrats were divided, and President Donald Trump had not yet signed sweeping tax and spending legislation. Those cuts, he said, changed the debate.
“Things have changed since the March vote,” Schumer said in an interview with the Associated Press. He added that Republicans pushed through Trump’s large tax breaks and spending cuts this summer.
The new law reduced Medicaid and trimmed other programs, which Democrats call vital to millions of families. Schumer argued that any future shutdown will be blamed on Trump and Republican leaders.
He said Trump has already ignored the role of Congress, so a shutdown will not alter that behavior. “It will get worse with or without it, because Trump is lawless,” Schumer said.
His comments came as Republicans considered a short-term bill to keep the government open past September 30. That option would delay a shutdown but avoid resolving deeper disputes.
If no deal is reached, Democrats face two stark choices, support a Republican bill they oppose or allow the government to close without knowing when it might reopen.
The standoff comes as Senate tensions rise. Talks on judicial confirmations broke down again Thursday, and Republicans moved to bypass Democratic objections by changing Senate rules.
At the same time, Democrats are angry over Trump’s decision to block $4.9 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress. That move came in late August, just before spending talks began.
Republicans argue that Democrats will take the blame if they block funding. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota urged Schumer to give them a clear plan on health care.
Some Republicans say they are open to extending expanded tax credits for people using the Affordable Care Act. Those credits will expire at the end of the year without new action.
But Democrats also want cuts to Medicaid reversed, which Republicans passed in Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” earlier this summer. That demand is far less likely to win GOP support.
Schumer also insisted Republicans pledge not to undo agreed spending after Congress passes it. He pointed to a $9 billion cut made at Trump’s request in July as evidence.
“How do you pass an appropriations bill and let them undo it down the road?” Schumer asked. Democrats argue the White House must honor deals reached with Congress.
Schumer’s March vote left him isolated, since most Democrats opposed the plan to fund the government. At the time, he said a shutdown would give Trump even more control.
Many Democratic activists were furious with his vote, and some called for his resignation. Jeffries distanced himself then, saying House Democrats would not be “complicit” with Republicans.
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This time, Schumer stressed he is in line with Jeffries and the wider caucus. He shared polling at a private lunch showing most voters would hold Trump, not Democrats, responsible.
Democrats now see political risk in siding with Republicans again. Schumer made clear that this time they are prepared to hold out for policy demands, even if a shutdown follows.
