As the government shutdown deepens and begins to cause tangible disruptions like flight delays across the nation and unpaid workers, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is reportedly more resolute than ever in his strategy, asserting that the political momentum is swinging his way.
In an interview with Punchbowl News on Wednesday, the New York Democrat was described as “bullish,” declaring, “Every day gets better for us.” Schumer claimed the Democrats’ successful blockage of the spending bill was the result of meticulous planning.
“It’s because we’ve thought about this long in advance and we knew that health care would be the focal point on Sept. 30 and we prepared for it,” Schumer told the outlet. He framed the GOP’s actions as a failed intimidation tactic: “Their whole theory was — threaten us, bamboozle us, and we would submit in a day or two.”
Schumer’s shutdown strategy has relied on maintaining Democratic unity. Despite a few defections early on, he has stopped any further members from breaking ranks.
The Punchbowl News report notes that the Minority Leader has lobbied the top tier of the Democratic Party, including former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and governors like California’s Gavin Newsom and Maryland’s Wes Moore, to rally to his cause.
This defiance comes even as the Trump Administration and Republicans attempt to pressure Democrats by highlighting the shutdown’s real-world consequences.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched a direct attack on Schumer during an appearance on CNN’s “The Lead,” Tuesday suggesting the Democratic leader is personally responsible for travelers’ woes. When host Jake Tapper mentioned his daughter was expected to fly home soon, Duffy delivered a direct piece of advice.
“Well, I think the answer to that is give her Chuck Schumer’s number and say, ‘Chuck, when are you going to open up the government? When are you going to deliver the votes necessary to open up the government?” Duffy said.
Since the government shut down, reports have confirmed that flights across the U.S. are facing delays due to critical airport staffing shortages. Air traffic controllers, who are working without pay, have contributed to disruptions at major hubs like Las Vegas, Houston, and Denver.
Duffy acknowledged the inconsistency of the problem, noting, “It’s a group of some today and a few others tomorrow… there’s no rhyme or reason to what’s happening with these controllers.”
The Secretary made it clear that the political maneuvering—which Schumer is so confident in—needs to end before the transportation system is further stressed.
“It was the Democrats in the Senate who voted for a shutdown… Don’t take America hostage,” Duffy warned, echoing his sentiment on social media platform X.
The spending bill failed 55-45, falling short of the 60 votes required for passage. While Republicans demand a “clean” Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government, Democrats are holding firm on their refusal to negotiate until their concerns over Americans’ access to health care are addressed—a calculated focus that Schumer clearly believes gives him the upper hand.
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