House Democrats erupt over Senate shutdown deal with Republicans

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
Today 11:09

A private call among House Democrats reveals deep frustration over the Senate shutdown deal as internal party tensions rise during the ongoing US government shutdown.

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The US Capitol is photographed on 37th day of the government shutdown, Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

A private call among House Democrats on Monday turned into a heated session, as lawmakers voiced strong opposition to a Senate-led deal with Republicans aimed at ending the ongoing US government shutdown.

Sources detailed to Axios that more than a dozen members expressed anger, sources confirmed, underscoring deep fractures within the Democratic Party. Much of the criticism was directed at a small group of Senate centrists who voted with Republicans to advance a bill many House Democrats view as a concession.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) captured the tone of the call, saying, “People are f**king pissed,” in reference to how the public perceives the Democratic Party’s handling of the shutdown.

Progressive backlash targets Democratic Party leadership

According to participants, nearly everyone on the call opposed the Senate shutdown deal, which includes a non-binding promise to vote next month on extending expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) questioned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s role, suggesting he either “can’t control his caucus” or endorsed the deal himself. Roughly half of those who spoke criticized Schumer, directly or indirectly, reflecting widening frustration within party ranks.

Calls to refocus attacks on Republican Party intensify

While tensions escalated among House Democrats, party leaders urged members to avoid internal conflict and focus criticism on the Republican Party.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) emphasized that messaging should remain centered on healthcare, not infighting. Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.), representing battleground districts, echoed the sentiment, cautioning colleagues against attacking Democratic senators.

The proposed Senate shutdown deal includes a pledge to hold a Senate vote next month on renewing Affordable Care Act tax credits, a critical issue for many in the Democratic Party. However, without a House commitment or the necessary Senate majority, many House Democrats view the measure as empty.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), a retiring centrist, stood apart from his colleagues, signaling support for the deal. “Congressman Golden’s position on using a government shutdown as a legislative strategy has been clear and has not changed,” his spokesperson said, while affirming his support for the tax credits.

Rep. Lee said she remained undecided on the deal, even as Jeffries committed to opposing it.

What’s next for the Democratic Party’s strategy?

Jeffries told colleagues he plans to fight the Senate deal in the House and floated the possibility of using a discharge petition to force a vote on extending ACA tax credits. Lawmakers, including Jayapal, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) praised Jeffries’ leadership during the shutdown fight.

Later that evening, Democratic leadership sent a formal email to members’ offices instructing them to “VOTE NO” on the Senate shutdown deal.

As the United States continues to grapple with the political fallout of the US government shutdown, internal rifts within the Democratic Party may complicate efforts to present a unified front against Republican Party proposals.