Democrats dig in against GOP budget strategy, heightening odds of shutdown
Democrats are ramping up the pressure on GOP leaders over federal funding, drawing firmer red lines against the Republicans’ budget plans and elevating the chances of a government shutdown at the end of the month.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday warned that House Democrats are likely to reject a Republican funding package that keeps spending largely at current levels, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is forecasting.
And across the Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) voiced a similar warning, saying none of the plans being floated by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) would have the Democratic support to pass through the upper chamber.
“What the Republicans have proposed is not good enough to meet the needs of the American people,” Schumer said, “and not good enough to get our votes.”
The one-two punch aims to put Republicans on notice that Democrats aren’t ready to swallow a funding bill that cuts benefits for low- and working-class people, particularly those programs related to health care.
It also sends a political message to the Democrats’ liberal base — which was furious after Schumer helped usher an earlier GOP spending bill into law — that party leaders are united on the budget, at least for a moment, and itching for a fight.
Both Democratic leaders are hoping their threats of opposition will force Republicans to the negotiating table in an effort........
© The Hill
