The traitors voted with Republicans on Sunday to secure the 60 votes needed to pass the deal, which failed to address the key Democratic demand of extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expiring on January 1.
The legislation does extend government funding through January 30, 2026, and includes provisions to halt mass firings of federal workers by the Trump regime, reverse terminations that occurred during the shutdown, and guarantee back pay.
What really smells about Schumer's gambit is he talked seven retiring Dems and one Independent into taking the heat for crossing party lines while he still voted no on the bill.
He thinks the move will shield his leadership, but he appears to have miscalculated.
The only thing Schumer did was show what a lying hypocrite he really is. Just before the vote he attacked Senator Durbin for - wait for it - abandoning the party's negotiating position and surrendering the party's leverage by going along with the Republicans. Talk about disgusting.
California Governor Gavin Newsome joined a list of other angry Democrats chiding Schumer. "Tonight's Senate vote on the federal government shutdown should have been a time for strength. Instead, we saw capitulation and a betrayal of working-class Americans."
What's particularly galling is Schumer knows that Trump and his minions have no intention of extending healthcare benefits despite promising to bring it up in the second week of December. Why not agree to do it right away as soon as the government is open? The answer is obvious.
Apparently, Schumer didn't get the message when a blue wave washed across the country during special elections in 39 states recently. But the message was clear. Save healthcare benefits. Millions of Americans, some for the first time, voted to save the healthcare system.
And what did Schumer do? He sold those voters out. He blinked instead of staring down the Senate Republicans and forcing them to do the right thing. Now 20 million Americans are facing health insurance premiums three to four times more than what they currently pay.
The shutdown may end next week when the House passes the Senate version, but Americas problems won't end there. Trump will celebrate his victory by heaping more indignities upon the Constitution and people he doesn't like.
After Schumer's betrayal the Dems need to change leadership and to double down on what will surely be a weakness for the GOP - affordable healthcare - in next year's midterms.
The longest shutdown in U.S. history that centered on a dispute over extending enhanced health care policy, has most Americans blaming the Republicans for the damage done to the country in the last 40 days.
As it Stands, the fight for affordable healthcare doesn't end here, however. It's going to be the number one reason the Republicans suffer major losses next November.
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