House Democrats Rally Nationwide Against GOP Spending Bill in 'Day of Action'

House Democrats are gearing up for a nationwide "Day of Action" on Tuesday to push back against what they describe as a "diabolical Republican scheme" targeting Medicaid and other critical programs. This follows Congress's passage of a stopgap spending bill aimed at averting a government shutdown, an event that has become all too familiar in recent years.

The Senate narrowly passed the bill on Friday, with a vote of 54-46. It’s worth noting that nearly all Democratic senators opposed the measure, except for Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats. Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the lone Republican dissenter. The bill, a continuing resolution, freezes spending levels at fiscal year 2024 rates until October 1.

If lawmakers hadn't pushed the bill through by Friday’s deadline, the government would have stumbled into yet another partial shutdown—a scenario no one really wants to see, especially not in an election cycle. President Donald Trump threw his weight behind the bill, urging Congress to pass it promptly.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., didn't mince words, calling the legislation "an attack on veterans, families, seniors, and everyday Americans." In his statement, Jeffries lambasted what he calls the "ongoing Republican assault" on essential services, including healthcare and veterans benefits, emphasizing the need for unity among Democrats to counteract these measures.

Jeffries also announced plans for the "Day of Action," which will include partnerships with elected officials, unions, civil rights organizations, and other advocacy groups. His goal? To push back against what he says is the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history—a claim that’s sure to spark heated debate in political circles.

In a fiery remark, Jeffries declared, "Our party is not a cult, we are a coalition." He acknowledged occasional disagreements within the Democratic ranks but stressed their collective commitment to protecting Americans from policies he believes are harmful, citing figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and House Republicans as key antagonists.

The Senate’s vote was preceded by a procedural hurdle earlier in the day, during which Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., sided with Republicans to overcome a filibuster. Schumer’s decision has raised eyebrows among Democrats, with some questioning his leadership in advancing Republican-backed legislation.

It’s clear the spending bill has ignited tensions within the Democratic Party, with Jeffries notably sidestepping questions about his confidence in Schumer’s leadership. As the "Day of Action" approaches, expect this to be a flashpoint in ongoing debates about fiscal priorities and party unity.