Republican Schools Schumer

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) is calling out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for trying to pull President Donald Trump into stalled government funding talks, saying Schumer should instead work directly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).

Appearing on Newsmax’s Newsline Monday, Biggs made it clear that President Trump shouldn’t be dragged into negotiations at this stage.

“I don’t encourage the President to meet with him,” Biggs said. “Chuck Schumer should go meet with John Thune, who is the Republican leader in the Senate. That’s how this process is supposed to work.”

Biggs stressed that Schumer’s move is purely political and an attempt to shift blame for a possible government shutdown.

Funding Deadline Looms as Schumer Plays Hardball

Congress faces a critical deadline on September 30 to pass a funding measure. Without action, the federal government will officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1 — potentially impacting Social Security offices, veterans’ benefits, and key federal services.

The House recently passed a short-term continuing resolution to keep the government open, but the Senate rejected both the House plan and a Democrat-backed alternative, leaving negotiations stalled.

The biggest disputes center on health care policies and increased spending for federal programs. Biggs argues Democrats are refusing to compromise.

“Right now, it’s Schumer who is threatening to shut the government down because he’s not getting his way,” Biggs said. “Republicans passed a continuing resolution that keeps most of Schumer’s post-COVID spending levels intact — with only a modest $20 to $25 billion cut. Democrats should be thankful it’s not a much deeper reduction.”

Trump Pushes for a ‘Clean’ Bill

President Trump has made it clear he wants a straightforward, clean funding bill — free of political riders and wasteful spending. Schumer has suggested he might support such a measure, but his public statements indicate he’s not ready to give up leverage.

Biggs said the real problem is Schumer’s refusal to accept even small spending cuts.

“Schumer wants it all,” Biggs declared. “He doesn’t want to take even a minor cut, and that’s why he’s holding the entire process hostage.”

Schumer Blames Trump While Ignoring His Own Role

On Sunday, Schumer took to social media to attack President Trump directly, accusing him of driving up costs for American families:

“With Trump, the American people’s costs are going up — higher tariffs, rising electric bills, and threats to health care. The GOP bill is the status quo, and Trump is willing to shut down the government over it,” Schumer wrote.

Biggs pushed back, saying Schumer is deliberately misleading the public and avoiding accountability.

“This isn’t about President Trump,” Biggs said. “Schumer needs to work with Majority Leader Thune instead of trying to score political points by dragging the President into the fight.”

What’s at Stake for Seniors and Retirees

A government shutdown could have a major impact on older Americans, including delays in certain services for veterans and retirees. While Social Security and Medicare payments would continue, customer service and processing for new claims could face slowdowns.

Important: A clean stopgap bill — the approach backed by President Trump and congressional Republicans — would prevent these disruptions and keep vital programs running smoothly while larger spending debates continue.

Bottom Line

With the September 30 deadline rapidly approaching, the showdown between Schumer and Republicans is escalating. Biggs and other GOP leaders say the path forward is simple: pass a clean bill, stop overspending, and keep the government open.

If Schumer refuses to compromise, he risks being seen as the one responsible for a shutdown — a move that could backfire politically as millions of Americans demand accountability.

Key Takeaways

• Andy Biggs: Schumer should negotiate with Thune, not President Trump.
• Deadline: Government shuts down October 1 without action.
• Trump’s stance: Supports a clean funding bill to avoid chaos.
• Democrat strategy: Schumer refuses to accept even modest spending cuts.
• Impact: Shutdown could disrupt services for seniors and veterans.

Why This Matters for Conservative Voters

This battle isn’t just about Washington politics — it’s about responsible spending, protecting Social Security, and standing up to Democrat overreach. Conservatives over 50 have a lot at stake in these negotiations, and President Trump’s push for a clean bill aims to keep the government running while stopping reckless spending.