Vice President JD Vance criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by resurfacing a video clip from 1996, in which Schumer, then a member of the House, opposed taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants. Vance used the clip to highlight what he views as a contradiction in Schumer’s current stance, accusing him of supporting government funding for healthcare programs that would extend to undocumented individuals.
Vance’s remarks were made amid an ongoing government shutdown that began after the Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution approved by the House. Only three Senate Democrats supported the measure, which fell short of the 60 votes required. The resolution was intended to keep the government funded temporarily while longer-term budget negotiations continued.
In a media interview, Vance blamed the shutdown on Senate Democrats, arguing that a small group within the party had chosen to block funding over policy disagreements. He emphasized the consequences for ordinary Americans, including disruptions to food assistance programs and other essential services. He described the Democrats’ position as taking critical programs “hostage” over ideological differences.
Republicans also pointed to Schumer’s earlier support for a similar funding resolution earlier in the year, which avoided a previous shutdown. At the time, Schumer defended his decision as being in the best interest of the country and his party, warning that a shutdown would have caused significant harm.
The current continuing resolution would have extended funding through November 21 to allow more time for setting spending priorities for fiscal year 2026. The Senate is expected to continue debating the measure, with further votes planned. House Republicans are urging Senate action, while House Democrats have returned to Washington to push for negotiations.
Democrats have called for the resolution to include extensions to healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say they are open to discussing healthcare funding later, but oppose tying it to the immediate funding bill.
