Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Democrats’ Work To Advance The Minibus Through The Senate

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor announcing he has filed a motion to reconsider the minibus and the urgent need for bipartisanship to pass the legislation through the Senate. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

The outcome of this vote on the minibus is wholly disappointing and undermines months of hard work appropriators have done to move appropriations bills through the regular order.

Senators Murray and Collins have done herculean work, as have the members of their committee. Democrats have worked cooperatively with Republicans on every step of this process. We’ve pursued regular order, we’re willing to allow votes on amendments, and we’re partnering with colleagues on the other side of the aisle to bring this minibus to the floor.

Senate Republicans have asked us to work with them, and we have worked with them. And until now, we were making progress.

But now, a few select Republicans, who seem to think they’re members of the House Freedom Caucus, have thrown a wrench into the process. And for no other reason than the pursuit of gridlock itself.

So the outcome here is disappointing, but it is not the end of the process. I filed a motion to reconsider this vote. Democrats want to reach an agreement with our Republican colleagues that will pass the minibus and make up the time lost because of Senator Johnson’s obstruction. My Democratic colleagues and I will do our very best to get the minibus done. We have come very far and there is no good reason for us to turn back now.

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