Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the Republican fundraising bill on Sunday, calling it “completely partisan” and reiterating that a conversation with President Trump is essential to prevent a government shutdown.
“All we’re asking for is what has typically happened in these budget negotiations: bipartisan discussions. The Republican bill is entirely one-sided and lacks any input from Democrats, which isn’t productive,” Schumer stated.
The senator pointed out that both a Democratic and a Republican bill failed on Friday because there had been no talks with Republicans. “It used to be different. When I was majority leader, I engaged with Republicans for four years, so there was never a deadlock,” he added.
“So, [House Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and I have now requested a meeting with Donald Trump. That’s the only path to avoid a government shutdown. Republican leaders have been listening to Trump and not communicating with us,” he remarked.
On Friday, Senate Democrats voted largely against the House’s GOP funding measures, with only Senator John Fetterman (Pa.) voting in favor.
Democrats are currently seeking negotiations with Senate majority leader John Thune (R-S.D.), but Republican leaders indicated that any agreement must be vetted by the White House first. Thune noted that he hasn’t yet spoken directly with Trump regarding the situation, although his staff has been in touch with White House personnel.
Schumer and Jeffries sent a letter to Trump on Saturday requesting a meeting to discuss a financial agreement, asserting that he has a “responsibility” to engage in dialogue.
Trump, when approached on the matter, expressed skepticism about the impact of a meeting, stating, “They want everything their way. They haven’t learned from past meetings… I’m open to meeting, but I’m doubtful it will change anything,” as he headed out to an event in Virginia.
