Democrats Want To End Shutdown But Can’t?
Washington, D.C. — The federal government remains paralyzed as Democrats turn on each other over how — or whether — to end the 36-day shutdown that has left millions of Americans frustrated and federal workers without pay.
A group of centrist Senate Democrats is scrambling to cut a deal to reopen the government, but they’re facing a fierce backlash from their own party’s progressive wing, exposing deep fractures inside the Democratic caucus.
Moderate Democrats Push for a Deal — and Face Liberal Fury
Retiring Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) are leading a behind-the-scenes push for compromise. Their plan would pass delayed spending bills and force a Senate vote on extending ObamaCare subsidies.
The proposal could secure up to eight Democratic votes, enough to swing a bipartisan deal if Republicans stay unified. Senators like Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) are signaling interest, while others — Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) — are weighing their political risks carefully.
But progressive Democrats are furious, accusing the centrists of “selling out” the party and undermining their leverage.
Schumer Walks a Tightrope
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is under pressure from both sides. He has stayed deliberately vague about the emerging compromise, refusing to take a public position while tempers flare.
During a closed-door meeting that stretched for more than two hours, liberal senators lashed out at their centrist colleagues, warning that any “weak deal” with Republicans could deflate Democrat enthusiasm ahead of the next election cycle.
Bernie Sanders Sounds the Alarm
Progressive icon Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted the proposal on the Senate floor, calling it one of the “most consequential moments since the Civil War.” Sanders vowed to oppose any budget that “throws 15 million Americans off their health care” or “doubles premiums for 20 million more.”
To many conservatives, Sanders’ comments underscored how far left the Democratic Party has drifted — prioritizing costly government programs over fiscal responsibility and border security.
Republicans Hold Firm
Meanwhile, Republican Senate Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) confirmed that any measure to extend ObamaCare subsidies would need 60 votes — blocking Democrats from using a simple-majority shortcut.
Republican leaders, with support from President Donald Trump, continue to push for a responsible funding plan that protects military pay, veterans, and essential services while keeping runaway spending in check.
Democrats Divided and Disorganized
With the Left in open revolt, moderate Democrats warn that endless infighting could do lasting damage to their party.
“There’s a plan,” one senator admitted privately. “We just don’t know if Schumer will let it blow up.”
Progressives, however, are threatening political retaliation if centrists cut a deal without securing sweeping health-care concessions.
As one insider put it bluntly: “Let’s not destroy ourselves over this.”
Trump’s Steady Leadership Stands in Contrast
While Democrats bicker and stall, President Trump remains focused on reopening government responsibly — without giving in to bloated liberal spending demands.
The contrast is hard to miss: Trump’s leadership looks decisive and disciplined, while Democrats appear lost, divided, and beholden to their far-left base.
If the standoff drags on, the blame will rest squarely on the Democrats’ inability to lead.
