House Democrats decried the government funding bill that will come up for a vote on Wednesday, with some calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down for allowing it to clear his chamber with Democratic support.
Rep. Mike Levin, who on X said Democrats would be wise to move on from Schumer, said, “It’s pretty simple. Either he wouldn’t or couldn’t keep the Senate Democrats together.”
He slammed the government funding deal that senators reached, which promises a vote to address expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, but doesn’t guarantee their extension. “The fact that we’re back here and there’s absolutely no solution and no commitment on the part of Mike Johnson to even hold a vote is disgraceful,” Levin said, adding, “I think it is a raw deal for the American people that that has not been addressed.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell told reporters the message she has heard from constituents is to keep fighting on the health care issue: “I have a lot of government workers in my district, and I saw the TSA yesterday, and they said to me, keep fighting.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal said that “people understand what a betrayal this is to not be able to go back with a victory and certainly how cruel Republicans are to refuse to actually fix health care for their constituents.”
Asked if Senate Democrats need a new leader, she said, “Yes, I do, but that’s not in my hands. So that’s up to them.”
Other House Democrats were more coy in addressing questions about Schumer.
“I think we’re in an unprecedented moment that demands that we consider whether or not it’s the time for new leadership,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley.
Rep. Mark Takano said his “ire” was directed at the deal that was struck.
