Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks with reporters following the Senate Democrats weekly policy lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
A "furious civil war" is brewing in the Democratic Party after eight members of the Democratic caucus voted with Republicans Sunday to advance a measure aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown, reports The Daily Beast.
The Democratic caucus members who voted to advance the funding bill were: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Angus King (I-ME, who caucuses with Democrats), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
The Senate plan "temporarily funds the government until January while promising a December vote to extend Obamacare tax credits, otherwise set to expire at the end of the year. But the measure would have a 60-vote threshold, meaning it is unlikely to pass," the Daily Beast explains.
"Angry Democrats exploded in fury," the Daily Beast says, slamming the deal "for not properly resolving one of their top priorities, funding healthcare extensions."
The "fierce and widespread" backlash was immediate.
“It’s complete BS. A concept of a possible vote,” Vermont Rep. Becca Balint said, "summing up the outrage among progressives and House liberals who feel Senate Democrats have now effectively caved to GOP pressure," the Daily Beast says.
An anonymous House Democrat told Axios, that "People are furious. It’s an awful deal and a total failure to use leverage for anything real.”
“This ‘deal’ is a surrender that all congressional Democrats should reject out of hand,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of progressive grassroots organization Indivisible.
Through a spokesperson, liberal advocacy group MoveOn joined in on the condemnation, saying, "too many Democrats in Congress” have failed to listen to voters, warning that this deal would “screw over millions of working Americans.”
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) called it “a lousy deal to me,” while Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH), said, “I assume all of us that have been fighting to protect our constituents from soaring healthcare costs will vote against this.”
The Daily Beast also reports that the fury has emerged from party group chats, too.
Another described “near universal frustration,” adding, “Everyone seems to be united that we should be opposed and that this isn’t a good deal.”
The Daily Beast also notes that the fury is directed at the Democrats' Senate Minority leader, saying, "Though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the bill, many reportedly feel he has wholly failed to lead his caucus."