President Donald Trump expressed gratitude towards Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his role in securing Democratic support for the Republican spending package designed to prevent a federal government shutdown.
The Senate approved the advancement of the continuing resolution, a short-term spending bill, late Friday afternoon. This action paved the way for a final vote aimed at averting a government shutdown.
"I mean, I was told that that was what was going to happen," Trump remarked to The Daily Signal on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews in the Maryland suburbs of Washington. "And I appreciate Sen. Schumer, and I think he did the right thing, really. I'm very impressed by that."
Schumer, who initially staunchly opposed the bill, ultimately agreed to vote in favor of the continuing resolution, citing concerns that a shutdown would be advantageous for Trump and the Republicans. Nine Democrat senators and one nominal independent who caucuses with them joined forces with all but one Republican to advance the CR on a vote of 62-38, exceeding the minimum of 60 votes required.
Had Democrats refused to advance the CR, they would have likely been held responsible for the shutdown, potentially causing difficulties for Democrat members of Congress in swing districts during the midterms.
16 Comments
KittyKat
This shows that progress is possible, even in our divided times. Kudos to Trump and Schumer for finding common ground.
Katchuka
Maybe this is a sign that things are finally turning around in Washington. We need more of this cooperation.
Loubianka
This proves that even in today's political climate, it's still possible to get things done if both sides are willing to talk.
KittyKat
This is a good reminder that we all share the same goals, even if we disagree on how to get there.
Eugene Alta
This is a sign that our democracy is still working. Let's keep up the good work!
Habibi
This is what leadership looks like. Putting the country above party politics.
ZmeeLove
Trump's right, Schumer did the right thing here. A shutdown would have hurt everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Comandante
It's a shame it took a potential government shutdown to get both sides to agree, but I'm glad they did.
Bella Ciao
This is a slap in the face to all the Democrats who fought so hard against this bill.
Mariposa
This is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. We need real fiscal responsibility, not just kicking the can down the road.
Bella Ciao
A win for everyone! This is what happens when both sides are willing to compromise.
Coccinella
This is just another example of Trump getting what he wants by making empty promises.
Habibi
This is a bad precedent. We can't keep rewarding Trump's reckless spending with blank checks.
Africa
Sensible move by Schumer. A shutdown would have been a disaster for everyone.
Comandante
Trump and Schumer are two sides of the same coin. They're both beholden to special interests, not the people.
Martin L King
Thank you to both Trump and Schumer for putting the good of the country first.