Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is throwing his weight behind a newly released continuing resolution (CR), arguing the temporary funding measure is the best way to avoid a government shutdown while lawmakers keep negotiating a broader bipartisan budget deal.

Schumer Backs Government Funding Deal

In a Sunday post on X, Schumer said Democrats have consistently supported keeping the government funded and reaching a long-term spending agreement that benefits American families.

"For months, Democrats have been clear: we want to fund the government, avoid a shutdown and pass strong, bipartisan appropriations bills that improve people's lives," he said.

He called the continuing resolution a "responsible path forward" that would maintain government operations while negotiations continue on a full budget package.

Schumer also praised Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) for her role in the agreement, saying she helped block President Donald Trump's efforts to "further politicize all federal grants."

"Democrats remain committed to funding negotiations that help hardworking Americans get ahead and stymie Trump's wasteful, corrupt agenda that has failed families," Schumer said.

Murray Backs Bipartisan CR

Murray released a press statement welcoming the bipartisan CR to fund the government through Dec. 11, saying it would help "avert a shutdown that no one wants."

Murray said the bill included Democratic-backed provisions, including blocking a proposed OMB grants rule and closing a loophole that could allow the Trump administration to redirect funds to Border Patrol.

She added that Democrats would continue fighting to protect congressional spending authority.

John Kennedy and Schumer Clash Over Shutdown Fight

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) for taking a cautious approach in negotiations to avoid a potential September government shutdown, arguing that Schumer would struggle to reach a compromise with Republicans.

Kennedy warned that Schumer's position could lead to a funding lapse as the Senate worked to advance a temporary spending measure.

Schumer separately accused Trump of supporting a potential shutdown to pressure Republicans into passing the SAVE Act, which Democrats said could affect voting access ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

He said Trump was using the funding fight as leverage and said he should be held responsible if the government shut down.