Blue Press Journal

Tag: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer

  • Shutdown Stalls as Senate GOP Rejects Dems’ Compromise Offer

    Blue Press Journal – The longest federal shutdown in US history continued into its 38th day as Senate Republicans rejected a compromise deal offered by Democrats on Friday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed a “clean” one-year extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance subsidies in exchange for Democratic votes to reopen the government.

    Schumer’s offer, made on the Senate floor, came after 14 failed attempts to pass a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through November 21. The proposal excluded new eligibility restrictions sought by many Republican lawmakers, and also suggested creating a bipartisan committee to negotiate a further extension of ACA subsidies.

    However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, after consulting with GOP colleagues, dismissed the offer as a “nonstarter.” Republicans have consistently refused to vote on ACA subsidies before the shutdown ends, leaving millions of Americans without access to essential government services.

    Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) criticized the Trump’s and the GOP’s stance, saying, “The ball is in your court now. Show us what a great dealmaker you are. Help us negotiate a deal which protects the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans and let us end this shutdown today. We can end it in the next few hours.”

    The shutdown has now become the longest in US history, with no end in sight. Democrats are growing increasingly frustrated with the GOP’s refusal to budge, and the public is bearing the brunt of the gridlock. The rejection of Schumer’s compromise deal has left many questioning the Republican leadership’s commitment to finding a solution.

  • Senate Democrats Push for Transparency in Epstein Case

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a surprise move, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, seeking to direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all unclassified records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The amendment, which was added to the annual defense authorization bill, aims to shed light on the Epstein case and bring transparency to the Justice Department’s handling of the matter.

    Schumer’s amendment is identical to a bill being pushed by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) in the House, which would force the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents in its possession. The move comes as Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), have expressed support for transparency in the Epstein case, but have stopped short of committing to a vote on legislation directing the Trump administration to release the documents.

    Thune told reporters on Tuesday that he supports “transparency” in the Epstein case, but did not say whether the Senate would vote on a measure to release the documents if it passes the House. Schumer’s amendment puts pressure on Senate Republicans to take action on the issue, which has garnered significant public attention and outrage.

    The amendment was filed as the Senate Armed Services Committee prepares to vote on the NDAA, which is a key piece of legislation that authorizes funding for the nation’s defense programs. Schumer’s move is seen as a way to force the issue of Epstein transparency onto the Senate’s agenda, and to hold the Trump administration accountable for its handling of the case.