Copyright Newsweek
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing criticism and calls to resign because of his handling of the government shutdown. On Monday night, the Senate secured the 60 votes needed to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with seven Democrats and one independent Senator voting with Republicans to end the 40-day standstill that had left more than a million federal employees unpaid and disrupted a range of services, including SNAP food benefits and air travel. The deal was made despite the parties not agreeing to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expiring in January. This had been a key point of contention for the party as the shutdown continued. While Schumer opposed Sunday's deal, some Democrats raised concerns that he might compromise with the Republicans on healthcare in the future. The deal included a promise that Republicans will hold a vote on the expiring subsidies by mid-December. Others said he did not sufficiently rally Democrats against Republicans during the shutdown and that he should have been aware of Democrats working with Republicans. Speaking to Newsweek, Scott Lucas said "there will be pressure on Schumer" because "he didn't press harder" on healthcare. But he said the contest wasn't over and the Republicans have committed to vote on the healthcare subsidies in December. "Schumer may choose to step aside," he added, but it is unlikely he will go any other way because "the Democrats are tied to their leadership." If Schumer resigns, Newsweek has outlined the high-profile Democrats who could replace him. Newsweek reached out to Schumer's office by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours Brian Schatz Schatz, a Hawaii Democrat, is bidding to succeed Dick Durbin as the No. 2 Senate Democrat when Durbin retires. The election for this role takes place next year, but if he becomes Durbin's successor he will assume more importance among Senate Democrats. He is also the chief deputy whip and has served in his Senate office since 2012. Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, chairs the Steering & Policy Committee, a top caucus job that often positions its holder for higher leadership bids. She was outspoken during the shutdown and gave multiple press interviews in which she said Democrats were united on affordability Cory Booker Booker chairs Strategic Communications and is part of the formal leadership table. The New Jersey Senator hit the headlines earlier this year when he delivered a 25-hour filibuster speech in April. The longest Senate speech in U.S. history raised his profile, increased his standing in some polls and caused some to speculate that he might run for president. However, he may be eyeing a more senior role in the Senate, instead. Elizabeth Warren and Mark Warner These Senators are both Vice Chairs of the Conference, which means they are both already in elected leadership and may want to assume a more senior role if Schumer resigns. Tammy Baldwin The Wisconsin Senator is the conference secretary and is seen as a rising figure in the party. She spoke out against the funding bill on Monday night, saying that it "does nothing to address health care costs skyrocketing."
