Listen To Story Above
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a stark warning on Wednesday, declaring that Republicans lack sufficient votes to advance their continuing resolution for federal government funding, intensifying concerns about an impending partial government shutdown.
“Republicans do not have the votes in the Senate to invoke cloture on the House CR,” Schumer informed reporters.
Despite holding a 53-47 Senate majority, Republicans face an uphill battle, requiring Democratic support to reach the crucial 60-vote threshold necessary for passage.
The House narrowly approved Trump-backed legislation on Tuesday with a 217-213 vote to maintain government funding through September. The vote saw one Democrat crossing party lines, while Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. opposed the measure.
BREAKING: Palestinian Senator Chuck Schumer indicates that the Democrats plan to shut down the government.
Legacy media will never share this, so let's make it viral!
Let everyone know who's responsible for the shutdown! pic.twitter.com/1tMdoFAgLP
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 12, 2025
“Funding the government should be a bipartisan effort, but Republicans chose a partisan path, drafting their continuing resolution without any input — any input — from congressional Democrats. Because of that, Republicans do not have the votes in the Senate to invoke cloture on the House CR,” Schumer stated during floor remarks.
With Senator Rand Paul already committed to voting no, Republicans must secure eight Democratic votes – an unlikely prospect given Democrats’ preference for a one-month extension to facilitate further appropriations discussions.
“Our caucus is unified on a clean April 11 CR that will keep the government open and give Congress time to negotiate bipartisan legislation that can pass,” Schumer added. “I hope our Republican colleagues will join us to avoid a shutdown on Friday.”
Chuck Schumer just announced that Senate Democrats will BLOCK the House-passed CR.
And now, for your entertainment… may we present:
THE SAME DEMOCRATS who scream about a GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN on loop. Grab your popcorn! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/FmferDoQ2y
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) March 12, 2025
Without legislative action and presidential approval by Friday’s end, the government faces shutdown, a situation complicated by recent Department of Government Efficiency layoffs affecting thousands of federal workers.
“Quite frankly, both outcomes are bad,” Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., remarked Wednesday. “Elections have consequences, but this is an extreme bill.
“If it passes, it will hurt a lot of ordinary people on the ground. If the government shuts down, that will hurt a lot of ordinary people on the ground. And so that is the dilemma in which we found ourselves.”
