# Top House Democrat leaves Schumer in the cold amid left's disarray on shutdown drama

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sidestepped questions on whether he had confidence in Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Friday.

The top House Democrat was directly asked about Schumer twice during a hastily-announced press conference to emphasize  Republicans' government funding bill.

Early during the press conference, Jeffries was asked if it was time for new leadership in the Senate, to which he replied, "Next question."

Jeffries gave the same exact answer when asked later if he had "lost confidence" in Schumer.

The bill passed, 62-38, averting a government shutdown.





Jeffries avoided mentioning Schumer during his press conference, but reporters pressed him with questions about the growing rift between him and the senior Democrat.

He did not directly answer when asked if Schumer "acquiesced" to , only pointing out the vote had not yet taken place.

"That's a question that is best addressed by the Senate. The vote hasn't taken place yet, and the House Democratic position is very clear. We strongly oppose any efforts to cut the healthcare of the American people, veterans benefits and nutritional assistance, all of which are in the partisan Republican bill," Jeffries said.

Democrats are in historic levels of disarray over a Republican bill to avert a government shutdown that's been backed by Trump.



Progressives have been attacking Schumer for announcing he would not block the bill, but whether Republicans can find enough Democratic support to reach the necessary 60-vote threshold is still unclear.

The bill passed the House last week with support from just one House Democrat — Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine.

The House and the Senate must send a bill to Trump's desk by midnight Friday to avert a partial government shutdown.
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