Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the former House Speaker, issued a blistering statement condemning Senator Chuck Schumer’s decision announced Thursday to allow a vote on the Republican-backed spending bill.
Newsweek reached out to Schumer’s office by email for comment on Friday afternoon.
Why It Matters
The U.S. government faces an imminent shutdown if Congress does not pass a funding bill. Failure to agree a deal by Friday at midnight will result in federal workers going on furlough and not receiving pay while nonessential government functions would be put on pause.
What To Know
House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a Republican, put forward a stopgap bill, referred to as the continuing resolution (CR), over the weekend that would prevent the shutdown by maintaining current spending levels until September while reducing Justice Department state and local law enforcement assistance.
The House passed the bill, which takes it to the Senate, where the bill requires 60 votes to pass, and Republicans have only 53 seats. Schumer initially stood firmly on the position that “our caucus is unified on a clean April 11 CR” and that “Republicans do not have the votes.”
However, he reversed course on Thursday, declaring that he would support the CR, arguing that “it is my job to make the best choice for the country to minimize the harms to the American people. Therefore, I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down.”
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Schumer added that President Donald Trump ” has taken a blowtorch to our country and wielded chaos like a weapon. For Donald Trump, a shutdown would be a gift. It would be the best distraction he could ask for from his awful agenda.”
Democrats have largely responded with shock and anger to Schumer’s change of heart, with one Democrat telling Axios that the “Senate left the House at the altar.”
One of the more stunning responses on Friday came from Pelosi, who seemingly urged Senate Democrats to defy Schumer. In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, at around noon ET, Pelosi wrote:
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have offered the Congress a false choice between a government shutdown or a blank check that makes a devastating assault on the well-being of working families across America.”
“Let’s be clear: neither is a good option for the American people. But this false choice that some are buying instead of fighting is unacceptable,” Pelosi wrote. “I salute Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his courageous rejection of this false choice, and I am proud of my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus for their overwhelming vote against this bill.”
“Democratic senators should listen to the women,” Pelosi continued. “Appropriations leaders Rosa DeLauro and Patty Murray have eloquently presented the case that we must have a better choice: a four-week funding extension to keep government open and negotiate a bipartisan agreement.”
“America has experienced a Trump shutdown before – but this damaging legislation only makes matters worse,” she added. “Democrats must not buy into this false choice. We must fight back for a better way. Listen to the women, For The People.”
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took “guts” and courage! The big Tax Cuts, L.A. fire fix, Debt Ceiling Bill, and so much more, is coming. We should all work together on that very dangerous situation. A non pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights. Again, really good and smart move by Senator Schumer. This could lead to something big for the USA, a whole new direction and beginning!”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, on Thursday said: “It’s time for Democrats to fish or cut bait. Democrats need to decide if they’re going to support funding legislation that came over from the House or if they’re going to shut down the government. So far, it looks like they plan to shut it down.”
Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey, a Democrat, wrote on X: “I don’t want a shutdown but I can’t vote for this overreach of power, giving Trump and Musk unchecked power to line their pockets.”
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, a Democrat, told reporters following Schumer’s remarks: “This is about deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid… the evisceration of the federal government… codifying the looting that is happening at the behest of Elon Musk in order to pay for his tax breaks for billionaires,” adding, “I think there is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal.”
What Happens Next
The Senate on Friday will vote on the CR, with a deadline of midnight to agree to a deal or face a government shutdown.
Update, 3/14/2025 at 1:56 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information, context and comments.
