Democrats Divided Over GOP-Led Government Funding Bill

Senate Democrats face backlash after advancing a Republican-crafted funding measure, exposing deep divisions within the party.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Senate Democrats voted to advance a Republican-authored six-month government funding bill, drawing criticism from progressives and House Democrats.
The funding bill includes $13 billion in cuts to domestic programs and an increase in Pentagon spending, which Democrats argue hands significant power to President Trump and Elon Musk.
Progressive leaders, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, condemned the decision, urging constituents to pressure their senators to oppose the measure.
Sen. Chris Murphy and others called for Democrats to adopt more aggressive tactics, warning that adhering to traditional norms could weaken the party's ability to counter Republican initiatives.
Amid internal tensions, some Democrats defended the vote as necessary to avoid a government shutdown, while others emphasized the need for a strategic reassessment to regain leverage.