Schumer promises to pass a straightforward government funding extension
He states that his chamber aims to prevent "a pointless and painful government shutdown."
TroibNews 
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans for the Senate to pass a clean continuing resolution to keep the government operational, devoid of "poison pills or Republican extremism," as a crucial deadline at the end of the month approaches.
In a letter to colleagues published on Sunday, Schumer stressed the importance of avoiding "a pointless and painful government shutdown" during what he noted would be the last three weeks the lawmakers are in Washington before the autumn elections.
Schumer’s proposed approach sets up a clash with the Republican-led House, which aims to pass a temporary funding measure with a contentious stipulation mandating citizenship proof for voter registration in federal elections—a provision staunchly resisted by President Joe Biden's administration and leading Senate Democrats.
"As I have said before, the only way to get things done is in a bipartisan way," Schumer declared. "Despite Republican bluster, that is how we’ve handled every funding bill in the past, and this time should be no exception."
Schumer committed to continuing the Senate's work on confirming "well-qualified judges and nominees" and advancing bipartisan legislation on issues like the annual defense policy bill, "rail safety, lowering the cost of insulin and prescription drugs, and artificial intelligence, among others."
"While we won’t be able to achieve all of these goals before the election, it is my hope that our Republican colleagues will work with us to make as much progress as possible," Schumer expressed in his communication.
As the September legislative push proceeds, Democrats are bracing for a challenging effort to preserve their narrow 51-seat majority, with key senators like Jon Tester and Sherrod Brown facing critical reelection battles.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
In a letter to colleagues published on Sunday, Schumer stressed the importance of avoiding "a pointless and painful government shutdown" during what he noted would be the last three weeks the lawmakers are in Washington before the autumn elections.
Schumer’s proposed approach sets up a clash with the Republican-led House, which aims to pass a temporary funding measure with a contentious stipulation mandating citizenship proof for voter registration in federal elections—a provision staunchly resisted by President Joe Biden's administration and leading Senate Democrats.
"As I have said before, the only way to get things done is in a bipartisan way," Schumer declared. "Despite Republican bluster, that is how we’ve handled every funding bill in the past, and this time should be no exception."
Schumer committed to continuing the Senate's work on confirming "well-qualified judges and nominees" and advancing bipartisan legislation on issues like the annual defense policy bill, "rail safety, lowering the cost of insulin and prescription drugs, and artificial intelligence, among others."
"While we won’t be able to achieve all of these goals before the election, it is my hope that our Republican colleagues will work with us to make as much progress as possible," Schumer expressed in his communication.
As the September legislative push proceeds, Democrats are bracing for a challenging effort to preserve their narrow 51-seat majority, with key senators like Jon Tester and Sherrod Brown facing critical reelection battles.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
