Funny you post this now, I was *just* thinking about making a ResistBot petition to ask my Dem leaders to replace Schumer with someone more progressive and aggressive. I'll post a link when I create it. EDIT: Text SIGN PCXNHN to 50409 or go to: https://resist.bot/petitions/PCXNHN
I think your comment is half right ... The problem with Schumer is not that he isn't "progressive" enough, it's that he isn't "aggressive" enough ... Case in point, Harry Reid, who was ideologically more moderate than many Senators within the Democratic caucus, but Reid was a fighter, and an effective leader, unlike Schumer.
I am actually not seeing a lot of love for Slotkin's response either; the level of anger directed at Dems by Dem voters is also very high. Reid was still dealing with a party that at least gave lip service to the rule of law and procedure. That's mostly out the window now. There is no playbook, we are going to have to write one, and yes it's late, but we have to do it anyway. And we'll have to use it as we write it. We can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Don't waste time infighting with the slow-to-move Dems and the mind set of 20-30 years ago. Shout out to the fighters of today - give them your support in any and every way you are able. We don't have time to tell our business-as-usual congresscritters and senators what we think they are doing wrong. Right now we just need to blast past them to today's powderkeg Dems, like the present Admin has blasted past their own advisors and constituents.
New leadership is occurring as we speak by virtue of the SHUTDOWN itself. They are fanning the flames of DEMOCRACY and we'll see even more vigor at the helm
HOUSE DEMS URGE SENATE DEMS TO defy Schumer and STOP THE CR
House Democrats from across the party's ideological spectrum are engaged in a campaign to get Senate Democrats to defy their leader. House lawmakers feel that there is a glimmer of hope, however faint, that they can actually persuade their Senate counterparts to reject a Republican-led government spending bill.
Also, House Democrats are circulating a strong draft letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that is well worth reading. In part, it reads:
"The American people sent Democrats to Congress to fight against Republican chaos. Instead of capitulating to their obstruction, we must fight ... we urge you to reject the partisan continuing resolution."
Unfortunately all these efforts failed. But i think these efforts and Schumer's ultimate decision, make clear to all that we need a new Minority Leader.
When a leader demands loyalty like a parent, it's time to question why. Cult leaders don't just demand obedience, they offer love, protection, and purpose. They create the illusion of a perfect parent, making followers feel safe and valued.
But there's a catch: their love is conditional. The moment you question or step away, that love turns into rejection.
True love allows freedom. It doesn't punish doubt or independence. If leaving a group feels like betraying a parent, it may be manipulation, not love.
Understanding this emotional control is the first step to breaking free!
I would bet big bucks on a table in Vegas that the vast majority of Trump supporters have been abused as children by a male figure. And, like most abused children, even though they are adults, they are still seeking the approval of the abusive parent. Trump is their abusive parent.
Schumer's office is unable to recieve messages at night. Calls during the day do not go through likely bc of the call volume. I did send an email. So very disappointed in his tepid response to the CR. Tone deaf is a phrase that comes to mind.
A more clarifying assessment re Schummer would be to pull back from his current complicent actions and examine his puerile actions, few that they have been, during his entire tenure, his presence in DC.
Thanks for the red pencil. SCHUMER! Also, I said complicent which is no word at all. I was wondering which to choose--complicit or compliasant, both of which fit. People have trouble with word s! Incorrect usage should not be tolerated. Some, locked in loyalty, have a lot trouble with the word tolerance.
It would be one thing if Chuck had been a successful leader in elections. He has not. Even before this situation I thought he should resign but remain in the Senate, like Pelosi.
I found him on Instagram. That’s the only other social media I have time for. I told him he’s sold his soul to a fascist regime of musk/trump who are dismantling Democracy and attempting a dictatorship. I told him to find his soul. The courts are on our side so far. He is not.
I still feel that I don’t know enough to have a strong feeling one way or the other on the CR. What seems clear is that all possible choices are horrible. At best, this is horrible timing and messaging from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. But I would like to throw on the table for further discussion this summary by Matt Yglesias, who defends Schumer’s decision.
. 16 thoughts on an averted shutdown: A bitter pill that Schumer is correct to swallow
The Republicans have left town. I’m my opinion they own this because they are not available for bipartisan negotiations. They’re just hiding somewhere or taking very expensive fact finding junkets.
There are court cases with rulings such as Temporary Restraining Orders, going in our favor, stating that terminated employees should return to their positions. I don't know how this can be enforced but there should be a budget for their salaries, benefits, ets. And, there are more cases being filed almost daily. Just yesterday our Attorney General joined with a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education.
oops my dog jumped on the tablet...he is quite the attention hound.
As I was saying before my dog so rudely interrupted my brilliant remarks ( LOL) that this article goes through what happened in the House and the Senate and that Schumer is taking the blame, from what I understand, are failures in the House. The upshot is not to cast blame but elect more Democrats! Please read this insightful article. Thank you, Arctic Stones. I always look for you, almost like a lieutenant in Hopium Chronicles!
I thought Matt's argument was kind of thin. It seemed to be based primarily on the impact on federal employees and he doesn't even mention that federal employees voted against the CR, per the Crhis Hayes interview.
He also didn't mention the magical formulation that says the 160 or so days of the CR will be treated as one day which somehow allows Trump to keep the emergency declaration in place which allows Trump to continue to play tariff wackamole without congressional review.
I sent an email to each and every democrat who voted for this bill explaining how disappointed I was in their support of the bill and the republican agenda. WHY? I asked them to reply to me, let's see if I actually get any replies from any of them. I told them it was betraying the Democratic Party. I told them I was furious - made me feel better at least.
Thanks god! These “town halls” offered in districts represented by Republicans unable or unwilling to meet constituents is exactly what I’ve been hoping, praying, etc to see!
I hope they continue and actually grow in size and really offer Democrats and anti Trump Republicans opportunities to express ourselves.
What support is the DNC giving to the 3 special House races? I think not much and that disappoints me. Similar to the cabinet nominees, even if those races are lost, there is a lot to be learned by listening to voters, partnering with Dems in those areas, and trying out new messages and approaches well in advance of the midterms.
Simon, I agree with all you said about Schumer. He has failed us all over the past few months and yesterday as well.
Schumer could have said "Democrats negotiated in good faith with the GOP on a new budget. GOP leaders pulled the plug on those negotiations and substituted a partisan CR that would continue the Republican congressional leadership's submission to the unconstitutional, lawless, and corrupt Trump regime. If the GOP, who controls the house, senate and White House fails to keep the government open, the pain inflicted on the American people is on them. At the end of the day, our oath is to protect and defend the constitution. Our first responsibility is to stand up to the lawlessness of the Trump regime. That is what we are doing by voting no to this CR which requires us to relinquish our duty to review/approve Trump's crazy tariff wackamole that is crashing our previously healthy economy.
Concern has been expressed that a government shutdown would only give the Trump regime more power. Trump controls the executive branch, not the judiciary. Given the number of lawsuits against the Trump regime's unlawful and unconstitutional actions, we fully expect the federal courts to remain open and operational. They are essential and not subject to executive authority."
See how easy this is when right is on your side and you speak truth to power? IMHO, Schumer's NYT op ed and MSNBC interview is full of weak language and only serves to open the door for Dems to own the GOP's failure. The fact that Johnson sent everyone to bed early only highlights the GOP's unwillingness to govern.
BTW, by stopping the CR, WE are not "LETTING THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN". The GOP is "FAILING TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OPEN". A 30 day clean CR would have kept the government open.
How could we get a 30 day cr? Let's get real on this. Republicans outnumber our side. We do not have leverage . Johnson sent the House home, if miraculously that happened today in the Senate, the House would have to be reconvened and the vote occur before midnight. Not happening. And just a reminder, two Democratic congressmen have died just since Trump addressed Congress. I use to teach U.S. History in the college setting and this is basic problems of Democracy I had in high school. Oye!
They would need the House to come back and vote for it before midnight.Sorry, pal, that is not happening since all the Republican House members have scattered. The Republicans want a shutdown, that's all you need to know to realize there is advantage to the Republicans to have a shutdown.
They always SAY they want a shutdown, then the Dems cave. That's what they want and so far it has worked for them. Anything it doesn't cover is the fault of the Dems. If we stand strong, the bad things happening all belong to them. Dems tried to negotiate but they turned everything down. We need to dump it on them for a change.
But the problem is that bad things happening should be avoided rather than trying to putting points up on an imaginary score board. This is not high school.
What kind of leadership is it that Johnson sent everyone home before the bill was passed. They aren't meeting with constituents, except maybe by zoom. They can zoom from DC.
I agree, Power. Just madly disappointing. No leadership. Capitulating in advance for no good reason. Americans know who is shutting the country down, no need to worry Dems will get blamed by anyone but MAGA. Come on, we've all lived through these shut downs before, and government workers are already suffering daily under Must/Trump. We could have gotten a clean 30 day CR and negotiated HARD for some things we want. So disappointed in him.
Excellent post, Simon! It’s time for Schumer to pass the torch. Harry Reid (RIP) would’ve never caved and was an excellent Leader when he was alive. He would’ve been prepared and ready to fight back with along with his caucus. I believe the people here in Hopium Chronicles would’ve been more prepared than Schumer. I’ve been critical against Leader Jeffries, but the House Dems were united at least on this front. Step aside, Schumer. We shouldn’t be in a darn if we do or don’t in this moment in time. And let’s be honest, the government has pretty much shutdown with all the layoffs or forced retirements. This is a stupid time to be alive. These are some batsh*t crazy times we are living in.
Last night, the courts ordered every agency to rehire all the many thousands who were probationary fires. The two judges were furious with Trump's lawyers, really castigating the administration. Our Attorney Generals and the Courts are our weapon. That could all go away if we shut down since the executive would be the only one with power. Trump would probably make himself" king".
Yes, I am aware of this, Virginia. But this doesn’t negate the fact that we shouldn’t have been in these situations if the Dems had a plan and been prepared for all of the nonsense that this administration has thrown at them and the country if we have solid leadership who understands how Wicked47 operates. We have to outsmart and beat them at their own game. It’s like if they do this, then we will do this. We got caught with having our pants down yet again, it hasn’t even been two months, which is insane because we don’t work in government and yet we are telling them how to do their jobs.
Right now we have the courts. That is working for us. If we have a shutdown we have nothing, the executive has all the power. How does it end? HOW DOES A SHUTDOWN END? Doge will be looting the government and us, right and left.Need to figure out how this shutdown would end if the administration doesn't want it to.
Yes, but in situations such as this, Congress can move forward and faster than the courts, especially when damage is happening at rapid speed. Want Musky out, bipartisanship could eliminate his power, position and influence immediately rather than the courts right now.
the cr vote is super critical. it's a line in the sand. and the dems in the senate can stop it. billions in cuts to americans, more defense billions (not explained by dems by the way), allows satan and musk to keep up the machete style of governing, and forbids anyone from stopping the tariffs. all bad things, nothing good. the house dems had the guts to not vote for it. now schumer is playing footsies with hitler 2. he is caving and appeasing. but they need 8 dems so maybe we can stop the other 7 from committing suicide. he has a tiny bit of leverage he should not just piss away. stop it, slow it down, dont vote for it. shut the govt down. its already falling apart anyway. stand up and tell americans whats really in the cr. a single dem senator can stop the whole thing by refusing unanimous consent! that will push it into next week. govt shutdowns. pls call your dem senators and schumer asap.
I didn't know about the fact that the federal employee union voted against the CR. Learned that not from Schumer but Chris Hayes in his questioning of Schumer last night.
I didn't know until yesterday about the "160 days is one day" magic act to allow Trump to play tariff wackamole w/o congressional review. Learned that from a substack and NYT reporting
I didn't know that DC was made a victim of a $1B heist in previously promised funds. Also learned that from substack.
Schumer has been too comfortable for too long. Why he hasn't been meaningfully challenged before now boggles the mind. He is a dreadful public speaker even when helped by a powerful message. He is a middling politician who performs best when everything aligns for him but otherwise struggles. He's part of the problem, not part of the solution. He's long past his stale date.
I lost an enormous amount of faith in Senate Dems when they re-elected Schumer as leader. He lost 4 seats. Even with a stacked map that should have been the end of his time as leader. Losing PA was unacceptable and if he/the caucus really believed Montana or Ohio were in play he dropped the ball. He is the face of the Senate Dems and refused or couldn't to create a political environment where the endless money Brown and Tester had had could succeed or find traction.
I just am not convinced he has a good understanding power dynamics or the media landscape. He seems willing to lose if he can avoid action, but unwilling to win if it involves taking a stand.
The risks he lays out in his letter of the government shutdown are real, but he is unwilling to address how unpopular the outcome for Trump would be. If Trump wants to break our government our make him do it against the Dems will do not give him permission less abruptly. Trump is a coward and backs down from these fights all the time.
His inaction is his failure. Where were the Senate hearings on Jan 6, or Trump stealing secret documents, or investigations in to project 2025, or the expulsion of Menendez?
All things that would have been good public shows not just for the health of the democracy but for voter education and party reputations. He failed because he is willing to do business as usual because he believes the polls that show people are tired of fighting in Washington are Prescriptive directions from voters instead of Descriptions of outcomes voters want.
The missed opportunities during the last two Biden years that the Dems had to outline the wrongs never failed to infuriate me. It was like they
Just sat there for
Two years instead of proactively prosecuting their case in the court of public option. What a wasted opportunity to inform the public, Similar to how the Jan 6 committee did its work. Would love to see the House and Senate now, with the pulpit they still have, hold such hearings. The entire country would listen particularly as things begin to get even worse and the county seeks answers and an alternative.
Yes, angered by whatever, the voters put the Dems in a difficult place. No disputing that. They did NOT elect Schumer minority leader nor devise any of his so-called strategies. He did that all by himself to the detriment of the party. The electoral outcome doesn't mean the minority is obliged to rollover. That's what the House GOP is there for.
Yes, poorly phrased on my part. The senate caucus made him minority leader not voters, but the strategies he employed were not foisted on him. He chose them (or didn't).
We all need to send our opinions to our Representatives. This URL worked for me to find my legislators. Their individual sites will lead you to phone numbers, addresses and their eMail for delivering your opinions.
As I understand it, the strategy is for A Letter to America to be written by members of both chambers of Congress and be submitted by Congress to We the People. It is their power that is being usurped, and they are the ones who can best articulate the consequences.
In asking my US Senator and US Representative to work with others to draft and release the letter, I suggested that a constitutional scholar, such as Rep. Jamie Raskin (as mentioned by Simon), and member of the House or Senate Judicial Committees, could be instrumental in drafting this document. Key members of the Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group could also provide input.
True, but if they don't have time to do it. Why can't we? I am sending it to my representatives, will let them know why we have this ask, and they can revise it to their liking. Actually, if they haven't listened to Simon thus far, I don't expect to make headway but not for lack of trying.( Since I will be doing a talk on the American Revolution in August it was great to review the document again).
I mentioned it several times for several days, no one said it was presumptuous for me to contact my representatives regarding something that Simon has been advocating. They can ignore it, improve it but at least they know what we are asking of them. No different than holding a handmade sign at a protest. Good grief!
Simon has not asked Hopium subscribers to draft the letter and send it to members of Congress. In list of things to do, we were asked to "Encourage your Senators and Representatives to let Facts be submitted to a candid world in what I’m calling a joint Senate/House 'Letter to America'." I understood our role was to "advocate for this idea."
Simon - it's time for Schumer to be replaced by someone who has a spine, who understands the moment, and who has the fire in the belly to do the right thing. His behavior this week has not only been cowardly and foolish, it's been insulting to D voters. This ignorant scheme to make it look like the Ds were voting against cloture is the last straw for me. Senators like Schiff or Murphy would be much better. I hope the caucus, if they foolishly and cowardly just roll over later today, will at least realize they need to eject Schumer now. I have no influence like folks such as you, but going forward I will not give one single penny to the party until he's gone.
Please don't punish the DNC, the DCCC or others. They have zero influence over who is minority leader in the Senate. The house did the right thing. You can contact the DSCC and let them know your thoughts, concerns (that is relevant). https://www.dscc.org/
Have called Schumer and voiced my displeasure. While I understand the arguments, I just feel like it's worth fighting for a "clean CR" and using the leverage we have while we still have it. Folks w years of experience on the Hill have stated this view forcefully, including Ezra & Leah @ Indivisible. If you don't agree w me, so be it. Let's agree to disagree.
But you gotta MAKE THE CALLS to your senators and rep and voice your disapproval. You've gotta urge better communication. Here in NJ, just due to all of our advocacy, Sen. Kim has become a whole lot better at comms, including putting out FB/Insta reels, and actually answering constituent emails in a timely manner. I know Booker is on the socials, but his team are not so good in this dept. We're staying on him.
Here in NJ, we had a big rally this week to protest the new multimillion $ ICE facility in Newark. We've had a bunch of huge protests at R congresspeople's districts and we're having an Empty Chair event here in NJ04 next week. More Tesla Takedowns are coming. And in NJ07, former rep. Tom Malinowski had a virtual town hall last night bc Tom Kean Jr., unlike his father, is total coward.
I spent two hours this morning, as I do each week, volunteering with VoteRiders to help people get ID documents like DL, birth certificate and SS card. These people are desperate - without jobs, often unhoused and/or formerly incarcerated, and a gentleman I worked with today had just fled Ukraine w just what was on his back. Work like this DOES make a difference in our fight, and you will feel so much better doing it! Other orgs doing this work include Fair Fight. VoteRiders also writes letters to voters, which are very effective - they push out election info and details on what they will need to be able to vote.
I also re-committed to helping Contest Every Race, which recruits candidates in rural, red districts to run for local office. I have worked with them going back to 2017 or so, when they were initially researching what the offices were and how to file as a candidate. This was tedious, detailed work that has now paid off bc they have robust databases in key states. You can sign up to send texts to recruit candidates, or you can sign up with their general outreach initiatives at Movement Labs.
Y'all, this is a marathon, not a sprint, as the great Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, always says. But doing volunteer work in your community or w a national nonprofit strengthens our democracy too!
So keep contacting those electeds, and stay in the fight. As we say in Moms Demand, KEEP GOING.
Funny you post this now, I was *just* thinking about making a ResistBot petition to ask my Dem leaders to replace Schumer with someone more progressive and aggressive. I'll post a link when I create it. EDIT: Text SIGN PCXNHN to 50409 or go to: https://resist.bot/petitions/PCXNHN
I think your comment is half right ... The problem with Schumer is not that he isn't "progressive" enough, it's that he isn't "aggressive" enough ... Case in point, Harry Reid, who was ideologically more moderate than many Senators within the Democratic caucus, but Reid was a fighter, and an effective leader, unlike Schumer.
Harry would be fighting this thing tooth and nail.
I am actually not seeing a lot of love for Slotkin's response either; the level of anger directed at Dems by Dem voters is also very high. Reid was still dealing with a party that at least gave lip service to the rule of law and procedure. That's mostly out the window now. There is no playbook, we are going to have to write one, and yes it's late, but we have to do it anyway. And we'll have to use it as we write it. We can walk and chew gum at the same time.
DEMS: Wake Up. Stand Up.
Don't waste time infighting with the slow-to-move Dems and the mind set of 20-30 years ago. Shout out to the fighters of today - give them your support in any and every way you are able. We don't have time to tell our business-as-usual congresscritters and senators what we think they are doing wrong. Right now we just need to blast past them to today's powderkeg Dems, like the present Admin has blasted past their own advisors and constituents.
Well stated. Thank you.
Here it is. Let me know what you all think.
Text SIGN PCXNHN to 50409 or go to: https://resist.bot/petitions/PCXNHN
It captured my sentiments quite well. Thank you.
You might clarify to emphasize Senate leadership- Jeffries is stepping up today - see his press release and news conference
Updated. Thanks for your input.
He's advancing. Schumer is tired.
This is good to see
New leadership is occurring as we speak by virtue of the SHUTDOWN itself. They are fanning the flames of DEMOCRACY and we'll see even more vigor at the helm
This is a little creepy, IMO.
Schumer? Did he obey in advance?
Yup
HOUSE DEMS URGE SENATE DEMS TO defy Schumer and STOP THE CR
House Democrats from across the party's ideological spectrum are engaged in a campaign to get Senate Democrats to defy their leader. House lawmakers feel that there is a glimmer of hope, however faint, that they can actually persuade their Senate counterparts to reject a Republican-led government spending bill.
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/14/house-democrats-chuck-schumer-shutdown
Also, House Democrats are circulating a strong draft letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that is well worth reading. In part, it reads:
"The American people sent Democrats to Congress to fight against Republican chaos. Instead of capitulating to their obstruction, we must fight ... we urge you to reject the partisan continuing resolution."
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25561901-house-dems-letter-schumer-cr/
Trump has praised Schumer's "courage" in backing the spending bill.
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/14/trump-praises-schumer-cr-government-shutdown
Unfortunately all these efforts failed. But i think these efforts and Schumer's ultimate decision, make clear to all that we need a new Minority Leader.
"Why Do People Stay in Controlling Groups?"
Cult Expert Dr. Steven Hassan
When a leader demands loyalty like a parent, it's time to question why. Cult leaders don't just demand obedience, they offer love, protection, and purpose. They create the illusion of a perfect parent, making followers feel safe and valued.
But there's a catch: their love is conditional. The moment you question or step away, that love turns into rejection.
True love allows freedom. It doesn't punish doubt or independence. If leaving a group feels like betraying a parent, it may be manipulation, not love.
Understanding this emotional control is the first step to breaking free!
https://substack.com/@stevenhassan/note/c-99927840?r=280c3q
Good show. In the case of Trump, MAGA, the many, many disinfected saw the government as daddy-gone-wrong. They were ripe for cult following.
I would bet big bucks on a table in Vegas that the vast majority of Trump supporters have been abused as children by a male figure. And, like most abused children, even though they are adults, they are still seeking the approval of the abusive parent. Trump is their abusive parent.
Please tell me Schumer will somehow receive a link to this essential essay. So clarifying. So right.
Schumer's office is unable to recieve messages at night. Calls during the day do not go through likely bc of the call volume. I did send an email. So very disappointed in his tepid response to the CR. Tone deaf is a phrase that comes to mind.
A more clarifying assessment re Schummer would be to pull back from his current complicent actions and examine his puerile actions, few that they have been, during his entire tenure, his presence in DC.
Pls edit and spell his name correctly. Thank you.
Thanks for the red pencil. SCHUMER! Also, I said complicent which is no word at all. I was wondering which to choose--complicit or compliasant, both of which fit. People have trouble with word s! Incorrect usage should not be tolerated. Some, locked in loyalty, have a lot trouble with the word tolerance.
It would be one thing if Chuck had been a successful leader in elections. He has not. Even before this situation I thought he should resign but remain in the Senate, like Pelosi.
Oh how i wish Nancy were still our Minority Leader. But there are plenty of good Dems raging out there to choose from.
Wrong house
You can reach him on social media, too. Believe me, he is already getting hammered. Deservedly so.
Oh, he heard from me.
I found him on Instagram. That’s the only other social media I have time for. I told him he’s sold his soul to a fascist regime of musk/trump who are dismantling Democracy and attempting a dictatorship. I told him to find his soul. The courts are on our side so far. He is not.
During a shutdown only the executive branch has power. There would be no incentive for Republicans to end a shutdown.
The reaction of the American people would be an incentive
I still feel that I don’t know enough to have a strong feeling one way or the other on the CR. What seems clear is that all possible choices are horrible. At best, this is horrible timing and messaging from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. But I would like to throw on the table for further discussion this summary by Matt Yglesias, who defends Schumer’s decision.
. 16 thoughts on an averted shutdown: A bitter pill that Schumer is correct to swallow
https://www.slowboring.com/p/sixteen-thoughts-on-an-averted-shutdown
The Republicans have left town. I’m my opinion they own this because they are not available for bipartisan negotiations. They’re just hiding somewhere or taking very expensive fact finding junkets.
There are court cases with rulings such as Temporary Restraining Orders, going in our favor, stating that terminated employees should return to their positions. I don't know how this can be enforced but there should be a budget for their salaries, benefits, ets. And, there are more cases being filed almost daily. Just yesterday our Attorney General joined with a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education.
https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-issues-statement-on-lawsuit-to-stop-trump-administration-from-dismantling-department-of-education
The NY Times has a Trump Administration Lawsuit Tracker:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/us/trump-administration-lawsuits.html
This was a brilliant article that shows how the House was
oops my dog jumped on the tablet...he is quite the attention hound.
As I was saying before my dog so rudely interrupted my brilliant remarks ( LOL) that this article goes through what happened in the House and the Senate and that Schumer is taking the blame, from what I understand, are failures in the House. The upshot is not to cast blame but elect more Democrats! Please read this insightful article. Thank you, Arctic Stones. I always look for you, almost like a lieutenant in Hopium Chronicles!
Senate roll call vote on the CR happening now. Video window shows tally and live fed.
https://www.dailypress.senate.gov/
Thanks for the link Arctic
I thought Matt's argument was kind of thin. It seemed to be based primarily on the impact on federal employees and he doesn't even mention that federal employees voted against the CR, per the Crhis Hayes interview.
He also didn't mention the magical formulation that says the 160 or so days of the CR will be treated as one day which somehow allows Trump to keep the emergency declaration in place which allows Trump to continue to play tariff wackamole without congressional review.
Seems like two pretty big misses
Interesting. I was not aware of the formulation about 160 days.
Schumer's lack of preparation for this movement (which everyone knew was coming) is appalling and inexcusable. Senate Ds need new leadership ASAP.
I sent an email to each and every democrat who voted for this bill explaining how disappointed I was in their support of the bill and the republican agenda. WHY? I asked them to reply to me, let's see if I actually get any replies from any of them. I told them it was betraying the Democratic Party. I told them I was furious - made me feel better at least.
Really needed to hear this today. Thank you.
Thanks god! These “town halls” offered in districts represented by Republicans unable or unwilling to meet constituents is exactly what I’ve been hoping, praying, etc to see!
I hope they continue and actually grow in size and really offer Democrats and anti Trump Republicans opportunities to express ourselves.
What support is the DNC giving to the 3 special House races? I think not much and that disappoints me. Similar to the cabinet nominees, even if those races are lost, there is a lot to be learned by listening to voters, partnering with Dems in those areas, and trying out new messages and approaches well in advance of the midterms.
Simon, I agree with all you said about Schumer. He has failed us all over the past few months and yesterday as well.
Schumer could have said "Democrats negotiated in good faith with the GOP on a new budget. GOP leaders pulled the plug on those negotiations and substituted a partisan CR that would continue the Republican congressional leadership's submission to the unconstitutional, lawless, and corrupt Trump regime. If the GOP, who controls the house, senate and White House fails to keep the government open, the pain inflicted on the American people is on them. At the end of the day, our oath is to protect and defend the constitution. Our first responsibility is to stand up to the lawlessness of the Trump regime. That is what we are doing by voting no to this CR which requires us to relinquish our duty to review/approve Trump's crazy tariff wackamole that is crashing our previously healthy economy.
Concern has been expressed that a government shutdown would only give the Trump regime more power. Trump controls the executive branch, not the judiciary. Given the number of lawsuits against the Trump regime's unlawful and unconstitutional actions, we fully expect the federal courts to remain open and operational. They are essential and not subject to executive authority."
See how easy this is when right is on your side and you speak truth to power? IMHO, Schumer's NYT op ed and MSNBC interview is full of weak language and only serves to open the door for Dems to own the GOP's failure. The fact that Johnson sent everyone to bed early only highlights the GOP's unwillingness to govern.
BTW, by stopping the CR, WE are not "LETTING THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN". The GOP is "FAILING TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OPEN". A 30 day clean CR would have kept the government open.
Stop obeying in advance
How could we get a 30 day cr? Let's get real on this. Republicans outnumber our side. We do not have leverage . Johnson sent the House home, if miraculously that happened today in the Senate, the House would have to be reconvened and the vote occur before midnight. Not happening. And just a reminder, two Democratic congressmen have died just since Trump addressed Congress. I use to teach U.S. History in the college setting and this is basic problems of Democracy I had in high school. Oye!
They can't pass it in the Senate without some Dems. That's how we get a 30 day CR.
They would need the House to come back and vote for it before midnight.Sorry, pal, that is not happening since all the Republican House members have scattered. The Republicans want a shutdown, that's all you need to know to realize there is advantage to the Republicans to have a shutdown.
They always SAY they want a shutdown, then the Dems cave. That's what they want and so far it has worked for them. Anything it doesn't cover is the fault of the Dems. If we stand strong, the bad things happening all belong to them. Dems tried to negotiate but they turned everything down. We need to dump it on them for a change.
But the problem is that bad things happening should be avoided rather than trying to putting points up on an imaginary score board. This is not high school.
What kind of leadership is it that Johnson sent everyone home before the bill was passed. They aren't meeting with constituents, except maybe by zoom. They can zoom from DC.
Virginia - nonsense. The house has been brought back for emergency votes plenty of times. You’re reading the wrong Senators’ bs.
Good clarification.
I agree, Power. Just madly disappointing. No leadership. Capitulating in advance for no good reason. Americans know who is shutting the country down, no need to worry Dems will get blamed by anyone but MAGA. Come on, we've all lived through these shut downs before, and government workers are already suffering daily under Must/Trump. We could have gotten a clean 30 day CR and negotiated HARD for some things we want. So disappointed in him.
Does the Trump signed EO declaring an emergency as of 1/20/25 matter? And does it take 60 non cloture votes (real votes) to end a shut down?
Excellent post, Simon! It’s time for Schumer to pass the torch. Harry Reid (RIP) would’ve never caved and was an excellent Leader when he was alive. He would’ve been prepared and ready to fight back with along with his caucus. I believe the people here in Hopium Chronicles would’ve been more prepared than Schumer. I’ve been critical against Leader Jeffries, but the House Dems were united at least on this front. Step aside, Schumer. We shouldn’t be in a darn if we do or don’t in this moment in time. And let’s be honest, the government has pretty much shutdown with all the layoffs or forced retirements. This is a stupid time to be alive. These are some batsh*t crazy times we are living in.
Last night, the courts ordered every agency to rehire all the many thousands who were probationary fires. The two judges were furious with Trump's lawyers, really castigating the administration. Our Attorney Generals and the Courts are our weapon. That could all go away if we shut down since the executive would be the only one with power. Trump would probably make himself" king".
Yes, I am aware of this, Virginia. But this doesn’t negate the fact that we shouldn’t have been in these situations if the Dems had a plan and been prepared for all of the nonsense that this administration has thrown at them and the country if we have solid leadership who understands how Wicked47 operates. We have to outsmart and beat them at their own game. It’s like if they do this, then we will do this. We got caught with having our pants down yet again, it hasn’t even been two months, which is insane because we don’t work in government and yet we are telling them how to do their jobs.
Right now we have the courts. That is working for us. If we have a shutdown we have nothing, the executive has all the power. How does it end? HOW DOES A SHUTDOWN END? Doge will be looting the government and us, right and left.Need to figure out how this shutdown would end if the administration doesn't want it to.
Yes, but in situations such as this, Congress can move forward and faster than the courts, especially when damage is happening at rapid speed. Want Musky out, bipartisanship could eliminate his power, position and influence immediately rather than the courts right now.
Bipartisanship? Give me a break
And give me a break with “we have the courts.” The Supreme Court says otherwise.
Couldn't agree more, NuNu. He sold us out.
Agreed!
the cr vote is super critical. it's a line in the sand. and the dems in the senate can stop it. billions in cuts to americans, more defense billions (not explained by dems by the way), allows satan and musk to keep up the machete style of governing, and forbids anyone from stopping the tariffs. all bad things, nothing good. the house dems had the guts to not vote for it. now schumer is playing footsies with hitler 2. he is caving and appeasing. but they need 8 dems so maybe we can stop the other 7 from committing suicide. he has a tiny bit of leverage he should not just piss away. stop it, slow it down, dont vote for it. shut the govt down. its already falling apart anyway. stand up and tell americans whats really in the cr. a single dem senator can stop the whole thing by refusing unanimous consent! that will push it into next week. govt shutdowns. pls call your dem senators and schumer asap.
Unanimous consent, hadn't thought of that.
Other stuff not explained by the Dems
I didn't know about the fact that the federal employee union voted against the CR. Learned that not from Schumer but Chris Hayes in his questioning of Schumer last night.
I didn't know until yesterday about the "160 days is one day" magic act to allow Trump to play tariff wackamole w/o congressional review. Learned that from a substack and NYT reporting
I didn't know that DC was made a victim of a $1B heist in previously promised funds. Also learned that from substack.
Couldn't agree more. It was the only card we held.
Schumer has been too comfortable for too long. Why he hasn't been meaningfully challenged before now boggles the mind. He is a dreadful public speaker even when helped by a powerful message. He is a middling politician who performs best when everything aligns for him but otherwise struggles. He's part of the problem, not part of the solution. He's long past his stale date.
I lost an enormous amount of faith in Senate Dems when they re-elected Schumer as leader. He lost 4 seats. Even with a stacked map that should have been the end of his time as leader. Losing PA was unacceptable and if he/the caucus really believed Montana or Ohio were in play he dropped the ball. He is the face of the Senate Dems and refused or couldn't to create a political environment where the endless money Brown and Tester had had could succeed or find traction.
I just am not convinced he has a good understanding power dynamics or the media landscape. He seems willing to lose if he can avoid action, but unwilling to win if it involves taking a stand.
The risks he lays out in his letter of the government shutdown are real, but he is unwilling to address how unpopular the outcome for Trump would be. If Trump wants to break our government our make him do it against the Dems will do not give him permission less abruptly. Trump is a coward and backs down from these fights all the time.
The voters screwed the Dems, not Schumer. Fair is fair.
His inaction is his failure. Where were the Senate hearings on Jan 6, or Trump stealing secret documents, or investigations in to project 2025, or the expulsion of Menendez?
All things that would have been good public shows not just for the health of the democracy but for voter education and party reputations. He failed because he is willing to do business as usual because he believes the polls that show people are tired of fighting in Washington are Prescriptive directions from voters instead of Descriptions of outcomes voters want.
The missed opportunities during the last two Biden years that the Dems had to outline the wrongs never failed to infuriate me. It was like they
Just sat there for
Two years instead of proactively prosecuting their case in the court of public option. What a wasted opportunity to inform the public, Similar to how the Jan 6 committee did its work. Would love to see the House and Senate now, with the pulpit they still have, hold such hearings. The entire country would listen particularly as things begin to get even worse and the county seeks answers and an alternative.
Yes, angered by whatever, the voters put the Dems in a difficult place. No disputing that. They did NOT elect Schumer minority leader nor devise any of his so-called strategies. He did that all by himself to the detriment of the party. The electoral outcome doesn't mean the minority is obliged to rollover. That's what the House GOP is there for.
No, the party did. He didn't elect himself.
Yes, poorly phrased on my part. The senate caucus made him minority leader not voters, but the strategies he employed were not foisted on him. He chose them (or didn't).
We all need to send our opinions to our Representatives. This URL worked for me to find my legislators. Their individual sites will lead you to phone numbers, addresses and their eMail for delivering your opinions.
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Please write the Letter to America for our "leaders" and all of us, now.
I already did that yesterday.
As I understand it, the strategy is for A Letter to America to be written by members of both chambers of Congress and be submitted by Congress to We the People. It is their power that is being usurped, and they are the ones who can best articulate the consequences.
In asking my US Senator and US Representative to work with others to draft and release the letter, I suggested that a constitutional scholar, such as Rep. Jamie Raskin (as mentioned by Simon), and member of the House or Senate Judicial Committees, could be instrumental in drafting this document. Key members of the Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group could also provide input.
True, but if they don't have time to do it. Why can't we? I am sending it to my representatives, will let them know why we have this ask, and they can revise it to their liking. Actually, if they haven't listened to Simon thus far, I don't expect to make headway but not for lack of trying.( Since I will be doing a talk on the American Revolution in August it was great to review the document again).
Because it would be presumptuous. Simon will make the decision about who will draft it.
I mentioned it several times for several days, no one said it was presumptuous for me to contact my representatives regarding something that Simon has been advocating. They can ignore it, improve it but at least they know what we are asking of them. No different than holding a handmade sign at a protest. Good grief!
Simon has not asked Hopium subscribers to draft the letter and send it to members of Congress. In list of things to do, we were asked to "Encourage your Senators and Representatives to let Facts be submitted to a candid world in what I’m calling a joint Senate/House 'Letter to America'." I understood our role was to "advocate for this idea."
Simon - it's time for Schumer to be replaced by someone who has a spine, who understands the moment, and who has the fire in the belly to do the right thing. His behavior this week has not only been cowardly and foolish, it's been insulting to D voters. This ignorant scheme to make it look like the Ds were voting against cloture is the last straw for me. Senators like Schiff or Murphy would be much better. I hope the caucus, if they foolishly and cowardly just roll over later today, will at least realize they need to eject Schumer now. I have no influence like folks such as you, but going forward I will not give one single penny to the party until he's gone.
Please don't punish the DNC, the DCCC or others. They have zero influence over who is minority leader in the Senate. The house did the right thing. You can contact the DSCC and let them know your thoughts, concerns (that is relevant). https://www.dscc.org/
Good morning -
Have called Schumer and voiced my displeasure. While I understand the arguments, I just feel like it's worth fighting for a "clean CR" and using the leverage we have while we still have it. Folks w years of experience on the Hill have stated this view forcefully, including Ezra & Leah @ Indivisible. If you don't agree w me, so be it. Let's agree to disagree.
But you gotta MAKE THE CALLS to your senators and rep and voice your disapproval. You've gotta urge better communication. Here in NJ, just due to all of our advocacy, Sen. Kim has become a whole lot better at comms, including putting out FB/Insta reels, and actually answering constituent emails in a timely manner. I know Booker is on the socials, but his team are not so good in this dept. We're staying on him.
Here in NJ, we had a big rally this week to protest the new multimillion $ ICE facility in Newark. We've had a bunch of huge protests at R congresspeople's districts and we're having an Empty Chair event here in NJ04 next week. More Tesla Takedowns are coming. And in NJ07, former rep. Tom Malinowski had a virtual town hall last night bc Tom Kean Jr., unlike his father, is total coward.
I spent two hours this morning, as I do each week, volunteering with VoteRiders to help people get ID documents like DL, birth certificate and SS card. These people are desperate - without jobs, often unhoused and/or formerly incarcerated, and a gentleman I worked with today had just fled Ukraine w just what was on his back. Work like this DOES make a difference in our fight, and you will feel so much better doing it! Other orgs doing this work include Fair Fight. VoteRiders also writes letters to voters, which are very effective - they push out election info and details on what they will need to be able to vote.
I also re-committed to helping Contest Every Race, which recruits candidates in rural, red districts to run for local office. I have worked with them going back to 2017 or so, when they were initially researching what the offices were and how to file as a candidate. This was tedious, detailed work that has now paid off bc they have robust databases in key states. You can sign up to send texts to recruit candidates, or you can sign up with their general outreach initiatives at Movement Labs.
Y'all, this is a marathon, not a sprint, as the great Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, always says. But doing volunteer work in your community or w a national nonprofit strengthens our democracy too!
So keep contacting those electeds, and stay in the fight. As we say in Moms Demand, KEEP GOING.
Do you have contact info for Vote Riders? In NJ Sen Kim is stepping up Sen Booker pretty on tv not sure what he’s accomplished
VoteRiders.org - just sign up to volunteer and you will get their outreach.
You are doing great work! Thank you!
Sounds like you are doing really important work. Thank you!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!
Lisa, thank you for all you are doing!!!!!!!
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