Only Two Dems Join GOP to Vote Yes on Budget Bill

Democrats find themselves in disarray as the Senate advances a Republican spending bill, creating a massive rift within the party. The bipartisan push to avoid a government shutdown has exposed deep divisions among Democrats about how to counter Trump’s agenda. It’s hard to believe that even just two Dems eventually agreed with Republicans on this…

At a glance:

• The Senate approved a House GOP-crafted spending bill with a 54-46 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans

• The bill funds government through September 30, increases defense funding by $6 billion, and cuts non-defense spending by $13 billion

• Speaker Mike Johnson successfully pressured Senate Democrats to support the Republican measure

• Progressive Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, expressed “outrage and betrayal” over Senate Minority Leader Schumer’s support

• The vote revealed deep divisions within the Democratic party on how to respond to President Trump

Democrats Divided Over Republican Spending Bill

The Senate’s recent 62-38 vote to advance a House GOP-crafted spending bill has thrown the Democratic Party into turmoil. The bipartisan push to prevent a government shutdown succeeded with ten Democrats crossing party lines to join Republicans in advancing the measure just hours before the deadline.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faced overwhelming criticism from fellow Democrats for supporting the Republican bill. The decision to back the measure has created a significant rift between Democratic leadership in the House and Senate.

Speaker Mike Johnson played a masterful role in pushing the bill through the House and applying pressure on Senate Democrats. “The House has done its job and passed a clean CR to fund the federal government. If Senate Democrats block an up-or-down vote on this, then it’s crystal clear: THEY want to shut down the government. Period. Full stop,” Johnson stated firmly.

The final Senate vote was 54-46, with two Democrats joining 52 Republicans to pass the spending bill. This Republican victory maintains current funding levels while cutting $13 billion from nondefense programs and increasing defense spending by $6 billion.

Democratic Infighting Intensifies

Progressive Democrats have expressed outrage over Schumer’s decision to support the Republican measure. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez articulated the widespread frustration: “There is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal. And this is not just about progressive Democrats. This is across the board — the entire party.”

The situation has highlighted tensions between Democratic leaders, particularly between Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. When questioned about the need for new Senate leadership, Jeffries notably avoided directly answering, further indicating the growing divide among Democratic leadership. Democrats are out of step with public opinion on issues like illegal immigration, transgenderism, and more, but the party finds itself unable to steer a course between the radical and more moderate sides.

Schumer defended his position by arguing that passing the bill was the lesser of two evils. “As bad as passing the CR is, allowing Donald Trump to take even more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option,” Schumer explained to his colleagues.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposed the CR and advocated for a shorter funding extension instead. Her advice to “listen to the women” went unheeded as Schumer pushed forward with supporting the Republican bill. It is unclear what women’s sex has to do with deciding on the bill.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, one of the Democrats who crossed party lines, acknowledged the difficult position. “We can all agree that it’s not a great CR, but that’s where we are, and that’s the choice,” Fetterman stated.

Republicans Celebrate Victory In Funding Fight

The successful passage of the spending bill marks a significant funding fight win for Republicans in President Trump’s second term. The bill was crafted without Democratic input, breaking the tradition of bipartisan funding bills and setting a new precedent for Republican control of the budget process.

Some Republicans who initially had reservations about the bill came around after assurances from President Trump. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) tweeted, “I spoke with @POTUS earlier today. Voting for a CR goes against every bone in my body, but I am placing my full trust in the President’s long-term commitment to getting our fiscal house in order.”

Democrats now fear this decision not to fight the bill could set a dangerous precedent for future partisan spending measures. Many Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, argued that the party should have fought back against the GOP to demonstrate resistance to the Trump administration’s agenda.

Despite Democratic concerns, the bill’s passage ensures the government will remain funded through September 30. Republicans have successfully implemented their priorities in the spending bill while creating significant division within the opposition party.