Schumer to help Republicans in Senate

[angrychair]

Senate Democrats gave up their sole point of leverage Thursday, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that he would help Republicans pass a continuing resolution that slashes domestic spending and specifically targets Washington D.C. with massive, punitive cuts.

Here is my two cents: VOTE NO. Damned if we do. Damned if we don't but I will never compitulate to dictators.

Link: https://talkingpointsmemo.com/live-blog/senate-democrats-cr-republicans

[senseandsensibility]

1. I hope he hears from his constituents

Loudly. And clearly. I hope he hears from them tonight in time to change his vote.

[AkFemDem]

2. Fuck Chuck!

That’s the slogan next time his cowardly ass is up for reelection.

[graycampervan]

61. Fuck Chuck!

Adam Shiff for Majority Leader!

[al_liberal]

3. Democrats never fight for anything.

Nothing! The other side fights everything the Dems do tooth and nail but the Dems never return the favor.

[DSandra]

26. And that's why the party has become so unpopular

Enough with your goddamn careers! Trumps gonna boot all of you anyway once he has total control of the country!

[rich7862]

30. Amen! Shummer is the worse of the lot of them.

[GPV]

52. We keep our powder dry, and they bayonet us.

[moonshinegnomie]

4. He needs to be replaced

Let adam schiff take over. He’s shown he has no real backbone and is all talk


I’ve donated a lot of money to the democrats in the past. That stops now. Until the party takes a different direction with new leadership I won’t give them a dime. Every time I get a message asking for money I’ll reply stop. Every email will be blocked.
I’m out

[awesomerwb1]

7. Nah, not Schiff

Murphy.

[HereForTheParty]

25. Murphy

nm

[rich7862]

31. Yes Schiff is a doer.

[Baron2024]

49. Schiff Is Pretty Good

But I would prefer Murphy for Senate Minority Leader. Murphy is more of a firebrand, which is what we need right now. We need some hellraisers in charge. Schiff is a little too mild mannered for me. Murphy kicks some ass. Oh, also AOC for House Minority Leader. She is a smart and media savvy politician with principles and she is a firebrand herself. She kicks ass too. Hakeem Jefferies is an empty suit.

[edhopper]

5. I was told on good authority

The Dems were not caving.
I wish we had an opposition Party.

[Raven123]

6. When you get your request for $ from Chuck, send him a letter instead

[Terry_M]

8. My understanding is that Senate Democrats are now 'Negotiating With Terrorists'???

R: If you don't give us everything we want, we will do even worse things, things that we don't even want to do.
Senate D: Ok, here's everything you want.

[ImNotGod]

9. Will this be the vote that breaks the parties back for good? Leadership needs a new spine! .nt

[regnaD kciN]

28. After this, why would ANYONE vote for Democrats...

…as “an alternative” in 2026, when they so meekly went along when they could stop all this shitshow?

[Traildogbob]

10. I have

Just been to a spine specialist for a Service Connected injury that is now coming home to roost with debilitating pain. Told I need a whole lot of screws and cages to help out, and recommended just getting a shot first before such an intense invasive procedure.
I think it would be easier to run for congress as a Dem, where spines are ripped out and thrown away.
No pain, just collect my check and benefits and shit on “ Ya’ll the People”.
Fuck Shumer, did he hand Trump his Jewish ID card and take a Palestine Terrorist one, with trumps autograph, to bend the knee.

[EnergizedLib]

11. I expect nothing but despicable things from Republicans

But Schumer? Please retire so we can get a better Dem in there.

[Bread and Circuses]

12. Senate Dem Leadership?

I support the Democratic Party, I’m not bashing them.
Just an observation.

Senate Dem leadership folds, again. Does Schumer really think that being bipartisan is going to sway the R’s ? Do Dems realize that Dem voters who donate and volunteer aren’t blindly following and will stop their support?

Many active democratic voters, including me have stopped donating and I’m unsubscribing from Dem emails and texts.

We’re the people who are watching, paying close attention and still calling/writing to our elected officials.

I feel they are leaving us to fend for ourselves.

[bigtree]

13. what an unserious and specious charge

...even AOC acknowledges the need to negotiate a CR with republicans.

"If you need Democrats, you need to negotiate with Democrats."



...whatever he negotiates, he's already said there aren't enough Democratic votes to advance the thing right now.

[BannonsLiver]

18. Right on cue

Last edited Fri Mar 14, 2025, 12:10 AM - Edit history (1)

[Carlitos Brigante]

59. WTF are you complaining about? Aren't you the ultimate "DU says this. So I'll go this

other way " concern troll? Which is idiotic in the first place because DU doesn't do this or that. Different people have different opinions and this place can't find concensus on a single issue.

[BannonsLiver]

64. lol

Sometimes. But not always. That’s the difference. I’m not constantly falling on one side no matter what the issue is. I am capable of finding fault in the party and its leaders. I don’t believe they are infallible, always. I believe they get it wrong sometimes. I hope that clears it up. Thanks for the question.

[Carlitos Brigante]

66. Meh... Not really. It just comes across as "I'm so above it all. And you plebes aren't on my level...... Until it's

time to be a contrarian again because....... uuuummm, errrr. LOL. Yeah, that's right it's just for the LULz". If that works for you, knock yourself out, I guess.

[angrychair]

19. I didn't make it

It's literally the reporting out there on multiple venues.

I would add that, based only on the handful of articles I've read, that he isn't trying to negotiate but simply pass their CR.
I would also refer you to the comments of Sen Adam Schiff: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220135061

[bigtree]

37. I'm sorry, venting at Marshall

...he's hell bent on portraying our weak hand as capitulation at some point.

He was basically wrong yesterday, and I think he just might be premature about this support by Schumer signalling a 'cave in' by enough to pass one.

But we shouldn't pretend there won't be a negotiation at some point, even if it does shut down, especially if it does because of the workers furloughed and the complete stopppage of even Democratic programs and priorities.

[angrychair]

42. I get your point

I realize you are trying not to be all doom and gloom. Honestly I am too. The point is that if we hold out enough to vote down cloture then the only thing on the table is Senator Murray's clean CR and even Republicans are not going to just let the government shutdown

[Bettie]

20. Where, exactly, does AOC say

to capitulate to their demands and ensure that they get exactly what they want?

She says that if they can't pass it on their own, they should negotiate with Democrats.

What the senate appears to be about to do is capitulation, not negotiation.

[angrychair]

21. Exactly this

Thank you.

[bigtree]

34. nowhere does it say Schumer capitulated to their demands and ensure that they get exactly what they want

...so why don't we wait to see what he's negotiating.

One thing that was mentioned in exchange for his support was a vote on a clean CR, something that AOC WOULD support.

And let's not lose sight of the myriad DEMOCRATIC PRIORITIES that will still receive funding in a CR, continuing those investments and benefits.

Whatever cuts that will come will still need to be spelled out in committees and voted on individually, then combined in the reconciliation bill.

This isn't what it's being represented, although it is a risk of cementing the amounts they are reducing those agencies into the process.

Even so, this isn't the zero-sum event that it's being portrayed as. We don't really know what would be the effect of just shutting everything down - what Trump and republicans would do to prevent those agencies from restarting with all of the employees furloughed.

Is anyone addressing the potentially furloughed workforce, and what the end game of that would be? Permanent shutdown, or a negotiation at that point?

[angrychair]

39. This is not accurate

Once the CR is passed they will put it all in the reconciliation bill and pass it on a party line vote. Once the CR is passed Democrats become irrelevant to the budget process.

[bigtree]

41. once the government is shut down

...let's play that out.

Is it really such a slam dunk to put the fate of furloughed wokers in the hands of close Trump ally and Project 2025 architect Russell Vought who recently axed Biden-era guidance on shutdown procedures from its website?

The Washington Post reported that it's not yet clear which parts of the government would close in the event of a shutdown this weekend. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), spearheaded by close Trump ally and Project 2025 architect Russell Vought, recently axed Biden-era guidance on shutdown procedures from its website, the Post reported.

In the event of a shutdown, the OMB would have wide latitude to decide what is deemed "essential" government work. With the president's blessing, Vought could determine that DOGE was doing essential government work and keep it open while other agencies did furloughs, for instance, making it easier for Musk's team of employees to access internal systems and operate freely.

https://www.newsweek.com/doge-government-shutdown-donald-trump-2044442

“Put Them In Trauma”: Inside A Key MAGA Leader’s Plans For A New Trump Agenda

He said the plans are a response to a “Marxist takeover” of the country; likened the moment to 1776 and 1860, when the country was at war or on the brink of it; and said the timing of Trump’s candidacy was a “gift of God.”

Another priority, according to Vought, was to “defund” certain independent federal agencies and demonize career civil servants, which include scientists and subject matter experts. Project 2025’s plan to revive Schedule F, an attempt to make it easier to fire a large swath of government workers who currently have civil service protections, aligns with Vought’s vision.

“We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected,” he said. “When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains. We want their funding to be shut down so that the EPA can’t do all of the rules against our energy industry because they have no bandwidth financially to do so.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-key-ally-russell-vought-agenda_n_671fed62e4b0a55cb4cdec09

[angrychair]

45. I get the risks

But it's already happening anyway.

Have you seen what that CR does? It will gut the DC government and create huge cuts across the board and for some reason increase the defense budget by 6 billion dollars and Democrats will be powerless to control that process either way.
I'm not saying my way is all sunshine and puppies but as least it's not giving up and giving up all the ground to Republicans.

[bigtree]

46. but the CR isn't the end game. It's a broad set of numbers that need to be fleshed out in committee

...the ones that control the spending on each program and initiative.

It might be risky to let the CR pass, but what about the risks of a government emptied everywhere but the places Musk is meddling.

And what's the end game? The goal can't just be shutting the government down and expecting that Trump or republicans will care.

How do you get from shutdown to opening, and won't our hand be considerably weaker at that point knowing how little the people in charge care about those workers, or the priorities WE got passed in the Biden term that are on indefinite hold?

[angrychair]

47. Democrats have a clean CR

Written by Sen. Patty Murray. Once we vote no on cloture then we offer up a clean 30 day CR a s if they vote no on it then that vote to close the government is now on them. They had the opportunity for a clean 30 day CR.

[bigtree]

54. we're offering it up now

...but I fail to see how a shut down government gives us more leverage against a WH and republican party that don't actually care that it's closed for business, and will be able to pick and choose the parameters of our government at will.

It's not as if the CR is the end game., but a government vacated and ready to pluck and meddle isn't necessarily reversible or easily defended by our party out of power.

The end game can't be to just let government fester, our own priorities along with it. There's no end game in the shut down, and so much to lose, because we have no actual power to act in any decisive way to positively affect that oiutcome from a minority position.

This CR may not be the right sword to fall on. Expecting republicans to give in at that point is really something, as we're watching them dismantle government without care or concern for anything. Look ar the Dept of Ed, and the way they used a phony emergency to clear the building.

[angrychair]

56. I admit I don't know the best answer

But I know for an absolute fact, no doubt in my mind, that the normal Democrats out here in the wild, will see this as bootlicking sycophancy. They will see it as compitulating.
The best case we can hope for if they vote for cloture is Schumer's eventual resignation as minority leader. Maybe even the whole leadership team in both the House and Senate.
People think we look weak. We look old. I freely admit that might not be true or fair but it is the perception of our party right now and we need to fix it. Especially if we vote for Cloture.

[bigtree]

58. I'm thinking that's a far sight better than a period of absolute dread about what Musk is doing in a vacated government

...reports coming in that his team is spreading out among the closed agencies.

I see more opportunity in the consistent position of defending workers staying on the job, not contributing to their exit. I just don't know how our party out of power safely and effectively manages a shutdown they really don't want.

I think we're going to find out how dangerous it could be, one way or the other, and all of Musk/Trump's nefarious plans behind the prospect are revealed.

At least a CR doesn't just leave the government completely open to them. looking like a surrender to their goals to eviscerate it. And let's not forget that many of our own prioroties passed in the last presidential term get continued funding through that continuing funding resolution.

[angrychair]

60. Again, I don't have the perfect answer

And let's not forget that many of our own prioroties passed in the last presidential term get continued funding through that continuing funding resolution.

Only in so far as they complete the work in the committees for the reconciliation bill that will pass without any input from Democrats at all and nothing they can do to stop it.

[Celerity]

44. You are correct. She did not say that.

[demmiblue]

22. AOC: It should be very clear to every Sen. Dem. that any vote for Cloture will also be considered a vote for the bill.

It should be very clear to every Senate Democrat that any vote for Cloture will also be considered a vote for the bill.

People aren’t going to be tricked with procedural games.

They know exactly what is going on.

Defend Medicaid.
Vote NO on Cloture.
NO on bill.

It should be very clear to every Senate Democrat that any vote for Cloture will also be considered a vote for the bill.

People aren’t going to be tricked with procedural games.

They know exactly what is going on.

Defend Medicaid.
Vote NO on Cloture.
NO on bill.

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@aoc.bsky.social) 2025-03-12T14:20:07.725Z

I don't know who you think you are trying to fool, but it is not working.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

23. Himself, mostly, at this point.

[demmiblue]

36. Yeah.

I know I'm not falling for the deliberate gaslighting.

[ibegurpard]

24. There are enough Democratic votes to stop cloture

And you know it.
But enough of them are caving that they won't.
And a complete misrepresentation of what AOC. She too opposes a vote for cloture.

[bigtree]

32. Schumer can't make that happen by himself

...and there was plenty resistance in the caucus meeting to voting for the CR.

[ibegurpard]

35. I'm not ready to indict all Democrats

But unless he changes his vote Schumer is a failure. And should not lead Senate Democrats.

[bigtree]

40. that's up to the caucus

...he very well could be negotiating on behalf of other members in that meeting described who have workers in their districts who will be furloughed.

Are we considering effectively throwing workers on the street, and no real plan for their return?

The Washington Post reported that it's not yet clear which parts of the government would close in the event of a shutdown this weekend. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), spearheaded by close Trump ally and Project 2025 architect Russell Vought, recently axed Biden-era guidance on shutdown procedures from its website, the Post reported.

In the event of a shutdown, the OMB would have wide latitude to decide what is deemed "essential" government work. With the president's blessing, OMB could determine that DOGE was doing essential government work and keep it open while other agencies did furloughs, for instance, making it easier for Musk's team of employees to access internal systems and operate freely.

https://www.newsweek.com/doge-government-shutdown-donald-trump-2044442

...is it really such a slam dunk to put the fate of furloughed wokers in the hands of close Trump ally and Project 2025 architect Russell Vought who recently axed Biden-era guidance on shutdown procedures from its website?

[Docreed2003]

38. If you're going to attempt to co-opt what she is saying

You could at least do her the courtesy of actually quoting her and show what she said in full in that article.
Or better yet, what she is saying on national media tonight.

"It is almost unthinkable that Senate Democrats would vote to hand the few pieces of leverage we have away for free"

Post by @thetnholler

View on Threads

[jalan48]

14. This must be what the Big Donors want.

[NEOH]

15. Can anyone say Merrick Schumer?? nt

[JCMach1]

17. Fork time for Chuck, we need an actual opposition

[Thrill]

27. Of course they will

Y’all haven’t learned yet?

[DSandra]

29. Newsom, and now Chuck caving in with the Nazis!

[BlueKota]

33. I will call Schumer's office

Not that he will listen. Hasn't he ever heard you don't negotiate with terrorists, dictators or Nazis? It's time for Chuck to retire, and let someone who actually has the energy and the spine to fight back take over.

[Galraedia]

43. Chuck Schumer should be removed as minority leader.

Having this useless dinosaur in a position of leadership is a fucking joke.

[Takket]

48. Schumer needs to step aside and let someone take over the leadership

He was a great leader... for sane times. But these are not sane times, and he isn't the man to lead the opposition.

[IrishBubbaLiberal]

50. Pathetic. Weak. Pink tutu DEM. BartCop would be outraged too.

Sure, it’s not completely Black or White vote.

Bad things no matter which way,,, BUT at least FIGHT.

And SCHUMER caves. (unless he comes to his senses tomorrow)

Trump/Musk ARE CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO MAGICALLY START OBEYING US LAWS !!

AND SCHUMER NEEDS A COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT THIS IS NOT
POLITICAL GAMES ANYMORE—- THIS IS A FIGHT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF
US DEMOCRACY!!!

THERE ARE NO RULES ANYMORE

[ForgedCrank]

51. I don't

disagree. No matter what happens, we get blamed by someone. The question is, are we willing to gamble it all and make a stand against this?
I have to be honest about it, I'm seriously conflicted. I wouldn't want to get caught dead voting for it, but at the same time, imagine the damage to the party. I don't see any way to win, and that is probably because there isn't a way.

[angrychair]

53. Honestly...maybe there are no winners

Then why not go down fighting? I honestly believe the CR will lead to as much or more harm than a shutdown.
While I freely admit I don't have the answers I know it's better to fight than look looking like a compitulating bootlicker.

[ForgedCrank]

55. That is

one valid position for sure. But I have to say, I'm really struggling with this one. Both sides of our arguments are correct, so is it a hail-mary? or take the safe road and live to fight another day? If so, which day and why not now?
This is one of those subjects where I struggle greatly. I can say I know what I would do, but were I in a position of power in office, I'd have to weight things a lot more carefully.
I hate this crap, but we lost. This is the suck part.

[angrychair]

57. These are not normal times

And anyone that tells you they know exactly what they would do should be completely ignored.

I will even admit that a shutdown might be worse economically but I believe the long term damage to our party to appear weak could be the end of the Democratic Party all together.

My gut tells me it's going to appear better to voters to be giving him the finger than kissing his...ring.

[LaRaven]

62. Randi explains this really well.

It’s about voting on a CLEAN bill. Democrats want and should be involved in the budget negotiations moving forward. They are asking for 30 days. If this CR passes, ALL OF CONGRESS cedes its power to the Executive branch. And most importantly, any court action against the illegalities of TSF/Musk/ Project 2025 may likely cease if it is voted on.

?feature=shared

[bif]

63. Unreal. That's all I have to say.

[ObamaKerryDem]

65. Smdh. We need a new Senate leader, stat.

🤦‍♀️