Schumer Promises Senate Action After House’s Stopgap Funding Bill Fails

On September 19, the Senate is set to move forward with a bipartisan stopgap funding bill, following the collapse of a similar effort in the Republican-controlled House. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the chamber’s plans for the upcoming legislation.

In remarks made on the Senate floor, Schumer, a Democrat from New York, stated he would initiate a “cloture” process to advance the funding bill. This effort comes after the House failed to pass a proposed six-month government funding plan put forth by Speaker Mike Johnson.

The House’s attempt at funding was defeated by a coalition consisting of Democrats and 14 Republicans. This occurred after former President Donald Trump urged Johnson to include a controversial measure requiring proof of citizenship for voters in the continuing resolution. Trump’s demand turned the funding proposal into what some are calling a “poison pill” for the legislative process.

Schumer pointed fingers at Johnson for the breakdown in the House vote, alleging that Johnson’s adherence to Trump’s unproven assertions of widespread voter fraud and anti-immigrant sentiment is creating unnecessary division as the November elections approach.

The failed House bill encompassed the “SAVE Act,” which mandated proof of citizenship for voter registration. Johnson faced considerable pressure from Trump, who used his Truth Social platform to instruct Republicans to let the government close if Democrats would not concede to the requested changes.

On Thursday, Schumer emphasized that Johnson must decide between catering to Trump and his “ridiculous claims” or collaborating across party lines to avert a government shutdown that could affect millions of Americans.

Schumer criticized the leadership of House Republicans for neglecting the bipartisan discussions necessary to prevent a shutdown. He pointed out their missteps over the past two weeks, suggesting they have prioritized listening to Trump’s campaign rhetoric instead of seeking workable solutions.

He asserted, “Now that their efforts have failed, House Republicans don’t seem to have any plan for actually keeping the government open.”

As a result, Schumer declared that the Senate is ready to take the reins in this situation. He expressed confidence that senators from both parties are prepared to engage constructively, emphasizing a desire for genuine negotiations between Democrats and Republicans to maintain government operations without resorting to partisan conflicts.

In a final comment directed at Trump, Schumer remarked, “Democrats and Americans don’t want a Trump shutdown. Most Republicans in this chamber also don’t want to see one. The American people certainly do not want their elected representatives creating a shutdown based on Donald Trump’s claims, particularly when it is evident that he does not comprehend how the legislative process works.”

As lawmakers brace for potential challenges in the coming weeks, the Senate’s proactive measures highlight a commitment to reaching across the aisle in hopes of achieving a resolution that benefits the government and the public.