Schumer Shutdown Enters 29th Day Amid Senate Deadlock

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has strongly criticized Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, for their role in the ongoing government shutdown now entering its 29th day, accusing them of using the crisis as political leverage at the expense of American lives and essential services like SNAP and WIC. Thune highlighted Democrats' repeated votes against reopening the government and described their demands for increased spending on healthcare for illegal immigrants and other programs as unrealistic ransom tactics. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Schumer insist on negotiations that include Democrats' healthcare demands before ending the shutdown. Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise echoed frustrations with Democrats' approach, noting that despite Republicans controlling the House and Senate majority, 60 votes are needed to pass funding, and some Senate Democrats are blocking progress to appease the far-left wing of their party. Republicans are pressing for a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government, while Democrats remain firm on securing expanded healthcare subsidies and other priorities. The impasse reflects deep partisan divisions, with Republicans urging Democrats to end what they call the "Schumer Shutdown" and Democrats emphasizing their demands as necessary concessions.