Senate Democrats are detailing how they plan to fight back against President Donald Trump’s administration — but it won’t include sparking a government shutdown.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to his caucus on Monday that detailed four strategies to counter Trump: investigations, litigation through the courts, legislation and party messaging.
However, Schumer pushed back against recent rumblings that Democrats might walk away from the negotiating table on spending bills, saying his party wants to avoid a “Trump shutdown” and supports bipartisan negotiations to try to find a funding deal. Republicans had accused Democrats of walking out on talks last week and some of Schumer’s members are warning the GOP can’t count on their votes to avert a shutdown.
“Democrats stand ready to support legislation that will prevent a government shutdown. Congressional Republicans, despite their bluster, know full well that governing requires bipartisan negotiation and cooperation,” Schumer wrote.
“Of course, legislation in the Senate requires 60 votes and Senate Democrats will use our votes to help steady the ship for the American people in these turbulent times. It is incumbent on responsible Republicans to get serious and work in a bipartisan fashion to avoid a Trump Shutdown,” he added.
Senate Republicans will need at least seven Democrats to get a government funding bill through their chamber. And while Speaker Mike Johnson could get legislation through the House without support across the aisle, he’s been forced to cut a deal with Democrats on spending repeatedly because of divisions among his own members.
But Democrats are facing intense pressure to jam up the Senate and fight Trump’s policies, including Elon Musk’s efforts to take a buzzsaw to the federal workforce and multiple agencies.
In addition to opposing Trump’s most controversial nominees, Schumer said in his letter on Monday that Senate Democrats will hold unofficial hearings to “spotlight … the rampant wrongdoing of the Trump administration.” Senate Democrats also launched a portal where whistleblowers can flag problems on Monday.
Democrats are also supporting litigation from states and “are actively exploring opportunities for the Democratic Caucus to file amici curiae that support their lawsuits.”
“A mere three weeks into the new Trump Administration and it is clear Trump’s promise of a ‘golden age’ for America seems to merely be glitter,” Schumer added. “Now more than ever, it is incumbent upon all of us to continue to work overtime to push back, to fight for American families, and to deliver real results to lower costs, protect communities and ensure accountable government.”
