Schumer Faces Backlash After Supporting Controversial Funding Bill

WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has sparked controversy following his recent decision to support a GOP-backed government funding bill, which he defended on ABC’s “The View” on March 18, 2025. Schumer’s vote, aimed at preventing a government shutdown, has drawn significant criticism from fellow Democrats and political commentators alike.

Supporters of the bill applauded Schumer for his courage, yet he faced scrutiny for collaborating with Republicans on a measure he labeled “bad.” “I knew it was a difficult choice, and I knew I’d get a lot of criticism for my choice but I felt as a leader I had to do it,” Schumer told the show’s hosts. This statement followed the Senate’s narrow passage of the continuing resolution (CR) funding the government through September, which passed with a 54-46 vote on March 14, 2025.

Critics, including cohost Whoopi Goldberg, questioned his commitment to the Democratic Party, drawing attention to the fact that only two Senate Democrats joined Schumer in supporting the bill. “We aren’t seeing a clear leader of the party,” cohost Sara Haines said during the discussion, emphasizing a rift within the Democratic ranks.

Schumer acknowledged the bill’s shortcomings, stating, “The CR bill was bad, no question, and it allowed a slush fund which allowed money to be pushed around.” He argued that the alternative—allowing the government to shut down—would produce economic devastation. “If we cut off government spending, it would be devastation like we have never seen,” he warned.

Schumer’s shift prompted criticism from various Democratic circles, including from Alyssa Farah Griffin, who suggested a generational leadership change might be necessary. “It might be time for him to step aside for younger leaders,” she remarked during the broadcast.

Long Island representatives expressed direct concern regarding the fallout from the new funding bill. Federal funding cuts totaling over $110 million were anticipated, leading to the elimination of several critical initiatives, including clean water projects and public safety programs. Representative Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.) voiced her frustration, stating, “The partisan spending bill is a bad deal for Nassau County.”

The ongoing funding dispute raised alarm over the viability of future government applications for grants, underscoring the potential long-term implications of the cuts. Schumer reiterated that failure to act could provide Republicans with an opportunity to decimate essential programs like Medicaid and food assistance. “You have two choices: one bad, the other devastating,” he said, illustrating the dire stakes involved.

Despite the negative feedback, Schumer portrayed himself as a steadfast leader facing external pressures. He remarked on Trump’s congratulatory comment about his CR support, calling it an example of the former president’s intent to create confusion. “He was trolling me. He’s trying to confuse people. He always tries to confuse people,” Schumer stated. 

As Schumer navigates this turbulent political environment, the long-term effects of his decision on both his leadership and party unity remain to be seen. The interplay between supporting bipartisanship while maintaining party integrity poses ongoing challenges, particularly as Democrats seek to overcome skepticism about their strategic direction.