House Democrats and outside groups have been wary of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s ability to “stand up” to Republicans ahead of a potential government shutdown — but party leaders are leaving Washington this week saying they’re “unified” on their funding negotiation demands.
Earlier this year, Schumer voted for a Republican continuing resolution along with nine other Democrats, enraging many in his party. But now, with government funding set to run out on Sept. 30, Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are putting on a united front, telling reporters Thursday their respective caucuses wouldn’t support a bill that had no concessions on health care.
“The Republicans have to come to meet with us in a true bipartisan negotiation to satisfy the American people’s needs on health care, or they won’t get our votes, plain and simple,” Schumer told reporters Thursday morning at a press conference alongside Jeffries and Democrats from both chambers.