Schumer left in the cold by top House Democrat amid shutdown drama
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., faced tough questions about his confidence in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., during a press conference on Friday. The top House Democrat was asked directly about Schumer twice as they emphasized their opposition to Republicans’ government funding bill.
When asked if it was time for new leadership in the Senate, Jeffries simply replied, “Next question.” He gave the same response when questioned if he had “lost confidence” in Schumer.
The silence from Jeffries on Schumer has sparked speculation about a rift between the top two Democrats in Congress. Other Democratic lawmakers have expressed frustration with Schumer’s decision to vote with Republicans to prevent a partial government shutdown.
During the press conference, Jeffries was asked if he was “afraid to say anything about Schumer,” to which he responded, “Do not characterize my remarks. I’m not afraid about anything.” He emphasized that House Democrats are focused on stopping the harmful Republican bill from becoming law.
Reporters continued to press Jeffries about the growing divide between him and Schumer. He carefully avoided directly mentioning Schumer but reiterated the House Democratic position against cutting healthcare, veterans benefits, and nutritional assistance in the Republican bill.
Democrats are facing disarray over the Republican bill, which has been supported by President Donald Trump. Progressives have criticized Schumer for not blocking the bill, but it remains uncertain if Republicans can secure enough Democratic support to reach the necessary 60-vote threshold.
The bill passed the House with only one House Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, supporting it. Both the House and the Senate must pass a bill by midnight Friday to avert a partial government shutdown.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covered the press conference and highlighted the tensions between Jeffries and Schumer. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind for more updates on this developing story.
