WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tensions are high following the government funding deal in the Senate where a handful of moderate Democrats joined Republicans and advanced a government funding bill to end the shutdown. The move has triggered a huge response among Democrats in both the house and senate. Some even question if Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY) should still hold his leadership spot.
House Democrats and some Senators who rejected the measure, including Schumer, said the bill doesn’t address the healthcare crisis. Many are feeling frustrated because that’s what Democrats drew the line in the sand for on the government funding bill negotiations.
House Democratic Representative Ro Khanna (D- CA), who represents parts of Silicon Valley, is calling on Senate Democrats to replace Schumer as their leader. He said on social media if Schumer can’t keep his caucus unified against a government funding bill that doesn’t extend enhanced health insurance subsidies, then he shouldn’t lead the Senate Democrats.
When House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D- NY) was asked on Monday if he believes Schumer is an effective leader and should keep his job, Jeffries responded “yes and yes”.
Some House Democratic members feel that they have lost leverage in negotiations, and others believe that this deal made their whole fight about the Affordable Care Act extensions, all for nothing.
“It doesn’t change the core problem here which is we need to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis on behalf of working-class Americans, everyday Americans and middle-class Americans,” said Leader Jeffries.
“We have always been open to finding solutions to reduce the oppressive cost of healthcare under the unaffordable care act,” said Speaker Mike Johnson (R- LA) Speaker of the House. “We just made clear that we would not and should not do that, that is negotiate as hostages.”
Speaker Johnson did not take any questions at his press conference Monday morning. It’s unusual for him to not take questions. The Speaker is telling House members to be prepared to get back to Washington if the Senate moves forward with this latest proposal.
