On Wednesday, the first day of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Senate again voted on government funding proposals nearly identical to those rejected the day before. The Republican-backed stopgap bill, which aimed to extend government operations into November, failed to advance in a 55–45 vote, falling short of the required 60-vote threshold. Despite the party divide, three Senate Democrats—Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and independent Angus King of Maine—broke ranks to support the measure.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is facing growing criticism from both Republicans and members of his own party, as well as typically favorable media outlets. Critics argue that his refusal to support the so-called “clean” continuing resolution is a strategic move to appease the party’s progressive wing. That wing had previously condemned Schumer for backing a similar funding bill in March. The shift in tone has been linked to persistent speculation that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may challenge Schumer in the 2028 Senate primary.

Amid the standoff, Republicans have dubbed the current impasse the “Schumer Shutdown,” a label that is beginning to take hold as public blame is assigned. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) accused Schumer of putting political ambition ahead of national interest, claiming he is bowing to pressure from far-left Democrats demanding a shutdown.

Marshall further alleged that Democrats are pushing for an additional $1.5 trillion in spending and using the shutdown as a political stunt. He argued that Republicans merely want to maintain funding at current levels, while Democrats are demanding much more.

He concluded by speculating that Schumer’s plan is to keep the government closed through the weekend to rally his base and dominate media coverage, before eventually agreeing to a deal next week—after the political spectacle has played out.