Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is facing growing dissent within the Democratic Party as divisions deepen over how to handle a looming government shutdown. Tensions between moderates and progressives have escalated, with some lawmakers describing the internal friction as an “open mutiny.”

Schumer’s proposal for a short-term funding extension to keep the government open for a week was met with backlash from progressives, who saw it as a sign of weakness. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Tex.) criticized the plan publicly, arguing that it only delays needed action on key issues like healthcare and economic support.

The federal government faces a shutdown unless Congress reaches an agreement by 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Central to the standoff are debates over Affordable Care Act subsidies, funding for public health, and reversing cuts to social programs. Schumer and moderates support a temporary deal to avoid disruption, but progressives argue that such compromises allow Republicans to control the narrative.

This isn’t the first time Schumer’s strategy has drawn criticism. Earlier this year, a similar short-term deal angered progressives, fueling speculation about primary challenges and questioning Schumer’s leadership style. Some younger Democrats view him as representing outdated, cautious politics, increasingly at odds with the party’s energized base.

Schumer has since publicly dismissed the short-term funding option, calling it a “distraction.” But the shift has confused some lawmakers, further straining internal trust. The broader divide highlights generational tensions within the party, as newer voices demand bolder, more confrontational action.

As Republicans watch from the sidelines, Democrats remain at odds over how to move forward. With the shutdown deadline nearing, Schumer must navigate a difficult balancing act: keeping the government running while uniting a fractured caucus. The outcome could shape not only the budget negotiations but also the future of Democratic leadership in the Senate.