As the September 30 deadline to avert a government shutdown approaches, Senate Republicans are accusing Democrats of hypocrisy for rejecting the GOP’s short-term spending plan.
On Tuesday, House Republicans introduced a seven-week continuing resolution (CR) aimed at keeping the government funded. GOP lawmakers argue that their plan is as “clean” as possible, avoiding extra spending measures or partisan riders.
But Senate Democrats have made clear they will not support the bill, raising the risk of a shutdown at month’s end.
GOP Calls Out Democratic Opposition
Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) pointed out that Democrats backed 13 similar stopgap bills under President Biden.
“Ninety-six percent of the Democrats voted for all 13 of those,” Thune said. “This new opposition is all about Trump Derangement Syndrome and their refusal to give this president anything.”
Republicans have branded the potential funding lapse as a “Schumer Shutdown,” blaming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for refusing to cooperate.
“They even refuse to have bipartisan negotiations,” Thune said, noting his office is just “around the corner” from Schumer’s.
Democrats Push Back
Schumer countered that the GOP bill was drafted without Democratic input and criticized Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for ignoring negotiations.
“Johnson put his bill in. No Democratic input, and that is why the Republicans are heading us for a shutdown. We don’t want it,” Schumer said.
Democrats are also frustrated that the GOP proposal excludes key provisions, including:
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Obamacare premium subsidies set to expire in December.
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Language on impoundments and pocket rescissions, which Democrats argue are crucial.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said Democrats won’t support a bill that Republicans drafted unilaterally, especially under pressure from former President Trump, who urged the GOP to avoid bipartisan talks.
Tensions on the GOP Side Too
Not all Republicans are on board either. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) blasted the bill for keeping Biden-era spending levels.
“Any Republican who votes for this should apologize to Biden, because they’re voting for his spending levels now.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also voiced skepticism, criticizing Congress for failing to pass a real budget instead of relying on stopgaps.
What’s Next?
With the Sept. 30 deadline looming, partisan tensions remain high. Unless leaders strike a bipartisan deal, the U.S. could be headed toward its first partial government shutdown since 2019.
This story is developing.
