A prominent member of the “Squad,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), is challenging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after he announced he would not vote against a Republican-backed stopgap bill aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown. This announcement has sparked significant tension within the Democratic Party.
Ocasio-Cortez is rallying her fellow Democrats against Schumer’s decision. Some party members are even encouraging her to consider a primary challenge against him. When asked if she views Schumer as a weak leader, Ocasio-Cortez did not give a direct answer. However, she expressed that not opposing the Republican bill would be a mistake for the Democrats.
She stated, “I don’t think it’s what New Yorkers want. I don’t think it’s what the country wants.” The urgency of the situation is heightened as a partial government shutdown is set to begin if funding is not secured by the end of Friday. The House, led by Republicans, has already passed a six-month continuing resolution.
In the Senate, a three-fifths majority, or 60 votes, is needed to overcome a filibuster on the Republican proposal. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, bipartisan support is crucial to move forward. Schumer acknowledged that the GOP funding plan is “very bad,” but he believes allowing President Donald Trump to gain more power through a shutdown is a worse outcome.
Before Schumer’s announcement, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was the only Senate Democrat to openly state he would not support blocking the Republican bill. Many others have voiced their opposition to the GOP’s proposal. Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders have distanced themselves from Schumer, endorsing a four-week continuing resolution they proposed instead.
In an interview, Schumer admitted he expected criticism for his decision but felt it was his duty to explain the potential consequences of a government shutdown for the country and his party.