LOS ANGELES (OC).–Eight independently-minded Democrats joined Republicans in the U.S. Senate to end the 30-day government shutdown started Oct. 1 when Democrats stood up to Republicans after months of Republican rule in the House and Senate. Democrats looked for their cause célèbre and found one in saving Medicaid and Obamacare subsidies,, affecting some 95 million Americans. How ironic that Democrats are calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) head when he was the one, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to shutdown the government to force the GOP to restored $1.5 trillion in Medicaid funding plus Obamacare subsidies. Yet after the big win Nov. 4 in the off-year elections, some progressive Democrats were emboldened to keep the shutdown going regardless of the consequences heading into the holiday season.
Sens. Dick Durbin, Jacky Rosen, John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Mastro, Jeanne Shahee, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine and Angus King, all voted with Senate GOP colleagues to accept a continuing budget resolution to end the 40-day government shutdown. “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should e replaced,” said Rep. Rho Khanna. “If you can’t lead the fight to stop health care premiums from skycrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for,” stepping out of his land. Why a California rep criticizes a U.S. Senator is anyone’s guess. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D.N.Y.) were the ones responsible for shutting down the government Oct. 1. Schumer wants to fight but know he must take it to the GOP without punishing essential government workers like air traffic controllers and Transportation Security.
Schumer has his progressive base out for his head because he didn’t endorse self-avowed socialist Zohran Momdani for New York City Mayor. “Don’t endorse or say who you voted for in NYC despite there being a Dem candidate,” said Rep. March Pocan (D-Wis.), showing that anger with Schumer has nothing to do with ending the government shutdown. Everyone knows that ending the shutdown was necessary. Mature decision making requires wisdom, not just petty squabbles over who endorsed NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. When it came to the government shutdown, the repercussions were starting to catch up. With the holiday season approaching quickly, Wall Street and the economy couldn’t afford another shock. Shutting down the nation’s air traffic system was already causing widespread delays and cancellations. How far do progressives want to go?
Once the new continuing resolution [CR] approaches an end, Democrats and Republicans will have to get serious about negotiating a reinstatement of Medicare and Obamacare funding or the government will shutdown against. Republicans know what’s important to Democrats and they could get budget concessions in other areas, just not health care. White House Office of Management and Budget [OMB] Director Russell Vought caused the government shutdown by cutting $1.5 trillion out of Medicaid over 10-years. Vought knew from the get-go the July 1 big beautiful bill would turn into a nightmare. Republicans thought the could take another shot at Obamacare, a rallying cry since it was adopted in 2010. Republicans in the House and Senate should seriously consider restoring Medicaid funding for the good of U.S. citizens and the health care industry.
Schumer didn’t betray progressives in the party because he wasn’t gung-ho for Mamdani in New York. Whether Mamdani actually turns out to be a good mayor or not, Schumer has a right to endorse whomever he wishes. When it comes to fighting Republicans to get citizens health care benefits, Schumer has waged a fierce fight with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Schumer voted to “keep fighting,” meaning once the government reopens, he’ll work across the aisle to convince his GOP colleagues to back resinstaing Medicaid and Obamacare funding. “I want Republicans to actually grow a backbone and say, regardless of of what Donald Trump says, we’re actually going to restore these cuts on health care . . . “ Warren said, vowing to keep fighting to restore lost Medicaid funding. Democrats who think the eight Democrats sold out are being petty and vindictive.
While there’s plenty of anger in Washington, there isn’t enough logic and common sense. How is the government supposed to function in shutdown mode? It’s a false choice to stick to your guns when it comes to wrecking the U.S. economy, all to get back at Republicans. “I understand my colleagues desire to fund the government,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on X. “What Trump has put people through these last few weeks is abnormal. Of course I want to end the shutdown too. But not at any cost,,” Murphy said. Instead of blaming Schumer or anyone else, Democrats should work with Republicans to rein in insurance companies from price gouging. Whatever happens to Obamacare premiums, the government could do a better job regulating the insurance industry. Elected officials must stop fighting, get back to work and get something done.
About the Author
John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.
