Schumer says Democrats to block GOP bill to prevent U.S. shutdown

Published 12/03/2025, 21:34
Updated 12/03/2025, 21:38
© Reuters

Investing.com -- On Wednesday, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced that his party intends to block a Republican spending bill that aims to prevent a government shutdown on Saturday. He called for the GOP to consider a Democratic proposal that would extend funding for 30 days. Schumer made it clear that Republicans lack the necessary votes, as they control only 53 seats in the Senate, and 60 votes are required to overcome procedural obstacles.

The situation has escalated following the House Republicans’ move on Tuesday to pass legislation that would finance the government until September 30. This move was seen as a challenge to moderate Democrats in the Senate, who are now faced with the decision to either support the bill, which does not address concerns over Elon Musk’s efforts to reduce costs, or to reject it and risk a government shutdown.

Schumer’s stance reflects the Democratic party’s strategy to negotiate a short-term funding solution rather than adopting the full-year measure passed by the House. The current impasse highlights the political tension between the two parties and underscores the challenges in reaching a consensus on government funding, especially with the added dimension of Musk’s cost-cutting measures being a point of contention.

The outcome of this standoff will determine whether the government will have the funding it needs to continue operating beyond this week. As the deadline approaches, both parties are under pressure to find a compromise to avoid a shutdown that could affect federal services and employees.

Republicans are already calling it the "Schumer Shutdown".

"If Chuck Schumer wants another Schumer Shutdown, that’s up to him," Senator Markwayne Mullin (R) from Oklahoma said.  

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R) from West Virginia echoed the sentiment, saying, "If this happens, it will be the Schumer Shutdown. Plain and simple."

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