"Needs to get the hell out": House Dems fume at Schumer

[Mr. Sparkle]

Source: Axios

House Democrats found themselves in the familiar position this week of seething at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for negotiating a deal with Republicans to keep the government funded.

While his caucus remains behind him, Schumer is becoming persona non grata for much of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. "I'm gonna continue to tell you that Schumer needs to get the hell out over and over and over until he does," Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) told Axios. "He continues to demonstrate to us that he can't meet the moment," she added.Another House Democrat, speaking on the condition of anonymity to offer insights into private conversations among lawmakers, told Axios: "The main feeling among members is a lack of trust in his strength and ability to strike a hard bargain."

The House voted Tuesday to pass an appropriations package that funds the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, State and Transportation until September. It also keeps the Department of Homeland Security funded at 2025 levels until Feb. 13, which is meant to give Senate Democrats and the White House enough time to hash out a final deal on ICE and Customs and Border Protection reforms. But while Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have said they won't accept anything short of reforms of those agencies, their GOP counterparts have cast doubt on the prospect of a quick deal. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) went so far as to tell reporters that a deal by Feb. 13 was an "impossibility," floating a year-long stopgap funding bill to keep DHS open.

What they're saying: Jeffries has essentially threatened to allow a DHS shutdown if his demands aren't met, saying in a statement Tuesday, "Absent bold and meaningful change, there is no credible path forward with respect to the Department of Homeland Security funding bill next week." But Schumer, asked if he would make the same ultimatum at a press conference with Jeffries on Wednesday, told reporters, "I'm just going to say we're sending them a proposal and we await their response." Senate Democrats — unlike their House counterparts — have the ability to block a DHS funding bill because it takes a 60-vote majority to pass it in the upper chamber. Some Democrats, worried that the threat of a DHS shutdown is not enough to force Republicans to the table, feel Schumer gave up the party's best leverage by cutting a deal to reopen the rest of the government. "Every time that we are winning, we seem to somehow sabotage [it]," Ramirez fumed, noting that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has already ruled out several Democratic demands.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2026/02/05/democrats-schumer-ice-government-shutdown?utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_source=x

[3Hotdogs]

1. Alls I hope for is an A.O.C. primary.

[Ferrets are Cool]

9. Please explain because I don't understand your post.

[GB_RN]

24. Pretty Sure...

That the commenter is saying they wish to see Chucky primaried by AOC. Polls I’ve seen for a theoretical matchup of the two, show Chucky decisively losing to her. Losing by about 20 points.

[orangecrush]

31. I get it

[PatrickforB]

59. If AOC does that and wins it will send a message to the institutional Democratic donors

from Middle Class kitchen tables everywhere that WE THE PEOPLE need OUR GOVERNMENT that WE PAY FOR WITH OUR TAXES to do stuff that actually benefits us.

Because the big money donors to BOTH PARTIES are Wall Steet establishment types or libertarian billionaire parasites who don't give one single shit about things like HEALTH CARE DEBT, SOCIAL SECURITY, CHILDCARE AND FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION.

I'm tired of the institionalists. The sooner Schumer is OUT the better it will be for every single member of the American middle class that has to juggle every fucking month to make ends meet. I'm sick of a fucking nonresponsive government that does not use my tax dollars to help me at the kitchen table.

[GiqueCee]

13. Ms Ocasio-Cortez...

... is one of the smartest people in politics right now. I can see no worthwhile purpose in wishing her to be primaried. I, for one, would be happy to call her Madam President some day, if I live that long.

[BaronChocula]

22. Speculation is that AOC may primary Schumer

I believe that was the reference.

[GiqueCee]

47. Now THAT...

... is an idea I can get behind! I wasn't aware that she was considering such action; that intent didn't seem clear in the original post. Thanks for the clarification.

[ECL213]

25. But...but...she used to work at a bar!!!

[Seinan Sensei]

35. Speaker John Boehner

grew up working in his family’s bar

[Emile]

21. Did she fail a centrist purity test?

[yourout]

26. Neocon...

[MadameButterfly]

36. The AOC primary he is referring to means

AOC primarying Schumer. I don't think anyone here is suggesting a primary of AOC's house seat.

[BlueKota]

38. It's a long way off, but if this happens

she's got my vote.

[NewHendoLib]

2. He can't meet the moment because he can't understand the gravity

of the moment. Way too many politicians stay around way too long.

[bluestarone]

3. He's a good guy, but he's playing old school, hoping the rethuig GOONS are willing to also play old school.

These GOONS have ZERO thought of playing old school. THEY have ZERO feelings for humanity. ZERO!!

[LiberalArkie]

5. The older Democrats see the Republicans as "fellow Gentlemen" They are like me, just a little different viewpoint

I do not think Schumer has ever met a Republican he did not like and trust. At least he acts like it.

[bluestarone]

6. Agree.

His Hearts in the right place. BUT with these GOONS we need different more that that heart feeling, Sorry to say.

[DemocracyForever]

8. This attitude...

is what's brought our country to the verge of becoming a Nazi dictatorship. This go along to get along, let's be nice crowd needs to be replaced with leaders who understand the gravity of the situation that our country is now in and are willing to make a stand to save our country. American democracy's very survival is at stake. The "nice" crowd seems to be oblivious to this ugly truth.

[BattleRow]

18. Go along to get along..

Goes nowhere and gets nothing.

[OldBaldy1701E]

50. Exactly!

One would have hoped that after several decades of being bitten on the ass with this practice...

[DemocracyForever]

54. You're exactly right!

[FakeNoose]

12. Yes he's a kind of "Bob Dole-Howard Baker" guy, which was fine if this were 1990

But it's not 1990, and Bob Dole and Howard Baker are long gone. We're at the end of our rope and Chuck Schumer can't do anything but play nice. I'm sure the Repukes are taking advantage of that. There's no time for this anymore.

[orangecrush]

29. My benefit of a doubt died

With Good and Pretti.

[MadameButterfly]

37. He's used to dealing with politians

This is a cult with. a malignant narcissits in the lead. They are menatally ill and cannot be reasonable, even in their own best interests.

[La Urraca]

56. Schumer a good guy??

Schumer has made it VERY VERY clear that he is all about supporting and funding Israel.

[ShazzieB]

58. He doesn't seem to grasp that playing old school is just not what Republicans DO anymore.

It's baffling that he doesn't. Completely baffling.

Please retire, Chuck, and clear the way for someone who knows the score.

[BlueKota]

39. Agreed.

I am an older American too, and I believe a lot of elder states-people still have a lot to offer, but not the ones who insist on living in the past. I see Senator Schumer as still entrenched in the quaint notion that his colleagues with an R behind their names are still basically "good-hearted" people, who while misguided, can be made to see reason.

He's dreaming. The majority of Rs are either cowards or greedy, power-hungry scum, who will do anything their dear leader commands them to, no matter who gets hurt in the process. They sold their souls to tsf in 2016, and have most don't working conscience anymore.

Most of them would sell their own families out. Anyone who doesn't get that, imho, isn't dealing with reality, and is waving the white flag without even pretending to stand up for the people who voted for them to do so.

[Miguelito Loveless]

4. I keep saying this,

and people get mad at me for "attacking" Democrats. I am not being "realistic" about the politics in DC.

[Phoenix61]

11. Right there with you. nt

[Scubamatt]

34. Totally agree

Questioning established leadership in favor of more outspoken and vocal leaders like AOC or Jasmine Crocket can soemtimes be marginalized on this Board.

[Prairie Gates]

7. The mistake is in thinking that Schumer is incapable of striking a hard bargain

The truth is that he usually strikes exactly the bargain that he wants.

Do with that what you will.

[LuvLoogie]

10. Smells Garlandish

Starts with a "C" and ends with an "omplicit."

[orangecrush]

28. 10-4

[BidenRocks]

14. We are fighting under the Marquis of Queensbury rules.

They are full UFC.
Please explain this concept to our elder statesmen!

[littlemissmartypants]

16. They are shooting people in the face.

[angrychair]

15. I cannot emphasize this enough

Democrats are on the precipice of a very good day in the next election cycle. A very good day.

That said, if Democrats in Congress cave to Republicans or fail to at least seem to hold ice accountable for everything and demand systemic changes, it will significantly harm voter participation.

I say that after listening to a video of a professional wrestling match in Las Vegas last night in which the crowd, the entire crowd, was chanting "fuck ice" over and over again. Professional wrestling is typically very pro Republican. Has been for decades.

The sentiment is there to hold ice accountable. It only takes the backbone to make it happen.

[BattleRow]

20. It takes backbone,NOT,wishbone.

[littlemissmartypants]

17. Ivory Tower thinking is literally killing people and giving Democrats

A bad reputation with the yout [sic] everywhere regardless.

It's very frustrating & fucking embarrassing.

Thank you for the discussion, Mr. Sparkle.

❤️🤍💙
🗳❌️👑

[GB_RN]

19. Pretty Much.

Chucky is playing by rules that were thrown out the window by the Groping Old Perverts and Newt Gingrich used his Contract ON (not with) America to win a House majority.

Basically, Chucky brings a butter knife to a gun fight.

[durablend]

49. And that butter knife is made of tissue paper

[AverageOldGuy]

23. Replace him wit

AOC

Take no prisoners.

That is all.

[orangecrush]

27. KILO & ROMEO

[dem4decades]

30. I truly believe that there's a Democratic Senator that would be a better leader

Someone inspirational, Someone that recognizes that the Republicans are willing to flush the entire Constitution down the toilet for power. They don't deserve the deference Schumer allows them.

[tonekat]

32. Ever since 9/11...

I've had a feeling that the GOP would try to actually outlaw the Democratic party.

I feel we're getting pretty close to that, and Schumer hasn't a clue.

[hadEnuf]

33. We've been putting up with this shit for years, sorry to say.

We were complaining about this before Pelosi finally had enough and got ugly with them. Even during Obama we were all complaining that he was trying to work with the right too much. I think he's learned since then though.

There is no compromise with the right. These people are bottom of the barrel neo-Nazis and white supremacists, while the rest of the so-called "normal" Republicans play see, hear and speak no evil. And I actually don't even think those ones really care how they get what they want as long as they get it.

[democrank]

40. A brief overview of Republicans' role in the destruction of our country

should be enough to convince Democrats that we need to be tougher. A lot tougher. Given all the present circumstances, we should be fighting back ferociously like our lives depend on it. We hear it over and over and over…..Democrats are weak. Time to disprove that criticism.

[Snackshack]

41. When will Dems learn...

No need for an opposition party when they have ppl like lieberman, fetterman, sinema, manchin and many others in the past to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory...

[bob4460]

42. All of the old guard corporate Democrats need to go

We HAVE to have new progressive leadership!

[Martin Eden]

43. What's in the proposal Shumer sent?

On that I would base my judgement on whether or not he's capable of driving a hard bargain.

[Intractable]

44. Someone alerted on the OP. Said "Support Democrats."

Too bad for the alerter.

Schumer is the one not supporting Democrats -- that is, me.

[orangecrush]

46. Someone else

Posted a thread claiming that if we aren't satisfied we are saying we aren't going to vote.

It was a great thread, like flypaper.

I won't be hearing from a long list of anti progressives.

Thanks to them for drawing them out.

[quakerboy]

45. as someone who wants chuckie gone

And is still pissed he gave us up in the end ofvthe first shutdown..

Can someone please explain to me why funding depts of housing, transportation, health, etc but not dhs is a bad thing?

Isn't that a selective shutdown of one ofvthe most corrupt departments without harming all the good workers of our government, or the people who need government to function for their continued safety and livelyhood?

In my book.. a dhs shutdown while the rest of government keeps going seems preferable to a full shutdown or the kind of weak deal that chuck normally takes

It seems like the only downside is ice is pre-funded for a good while. What am i missing?

[republianmushroom]

48. Agree with house Dems. It is time.

[dugog55]

51. Good, get rid of him.

All of these old time Democrats still think they can work with Republicans. That time is long gone. Obama tried it and got screwed repeatedly by McConnell. Biden still though he could work with the GOP, you just can't. They are too far gone. Everyone thinks that the Dems are going to far left. They are no further left than they were 60 years ago. They still want pretty much the same things for workers, the economy and the environment. The GOP however, has jumped of the radical right cliff and are light years away from the 50' and 60's when there was only minor differences in the two parties.

David Hogg was correct. We have to clean house and get rid of all the old dead wood in Congress. Kamala lost because she did not have the young peoples votes. The the two youngest generations that can vote want progressive policies and they just see Democrats as the other side of the same coin with the GOP. And for the most part they are correct. The Dems supported Israel's genocide on the Palestinians, the are beholding to corporate donors, and they are not protecting are natural environment from destruction by big corporations. They need to change and make it a big change. AOC and Sanders should be the norm, not outliers. This country will be better for it.

[Abstractartist]

52. Typical

Schumer is horrendous. When the democrats take control of the house and senate, they need to boot Schumer from the leader spot. Bring in new, younger blood… or stay in second place.

[bdamomma]

53. I think

the House Speaker Mike Johnson needs to be shown the door too. Get him out!!!!!

[Exp]

55. I agree, Chuck should have been gone from the Leader Role and just be an everyday Dem Sen. nt

[LymphocyteLover]

57. people are super upset that Schumer sent a proposal, when we don't even know what is in it? Seriously?

And it brings out all the usual suspects who think Dems are complicit?

GTFOH.

[Autumn]

61. If you read the article. House Democrats seem to know what he negotiated. So there's that.

And they are not fucking happy with it. I agree with what Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) told Axios.

"He continues to demonstrate to us that he can't meet the moment,"

I'm sure she knows what she's talking about. Since she's there.

[Autumn]

60. We need a fighter and that is not Schumer. He's too eager to give in and compromise. I want AOC

At least I know she won't give Schumer's "friends on the other side of the aisle" everything they want.