Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) faced laughter from Republicans after dismissing a New York Times/Siena College poll showing Americans largely blame Democrats for the government shutdown. Speaking just before the shutdown began, Schumer rejected the poll’s findings, calling it biased and criticizing the New York Times. His comments sparked laughter across the chamber.

The shutdown followed Senate Democrats rejecting a continuing resolution passed by the House. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pushed for extending Affordable Care Act tax credits and taxpayer-funded health care for all, including undocumented immigrants. Republicans and the White House opposed these demands, accusing Democrats of prioritizing healthcare for illegal immigrants over American taxpayers.

Vice President JD Vance criticized Democrats for seeking “massive amounts of money” for undocumented immigrants’ healthcare while Americans struggle. The NYT/Siena poll, conducted before the October 1 deadline, showed only 27% support for a shutdown if Democrats’ demands were unmet, with Republicans and independents largely opposed.

House Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Democrats for the shutdown’s hardships, calling it Senate Minority Leader Schumer’s decision. Meanwhile, President Trump planned meetings with Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought to identify federal programs for cuts during the shutdown.

Under Vought, billions in funding for projects like New York City’s subway have been frozen. Federal agencies are implementing shutdown protocols, including delaying payments and prioritizing essential programs. Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of Vought’s role in deciding which government functions to maintain during this crisis.