I called but the office is closed for the day, so I wrote home thusly:
I just read the news that you, Senator Schumer, intend to vote to advance the horrendous House CR bill funding federal services. I cannot tell you how horrified I am that you have made this awful decision. To paraphrase the asshole currently occupying the White House, we don't have ANY OTHER CARDS!! This legislation will give Donald Trump and President Musk all the ammunition they need to do permanently what a government shut down would do only short term. If you continue down this road, and enough Democrats join you, we can stick a fork in it. Our Democracy is done. Grow a frigging spine and call their bluff, Senator. Otherwise this country as we know it is done!
I am a lifelong Democrat and if this bill passes because of the cowardice shown by you all in the Senate, I will ditch my party and will do everything in my power (granted, it's not much ... but still) to make sure you are never again reelected.
"Cards" are indeed the right metaphor. And our hand may be miserable, but what's required first is the courage to say no to this dog's breakfast of a bill. House Republicans have all fled Dodge anyhow -- they have no intention of working out a budget with the Senate. Call them on their bluff.
I think Senator Schumer was beaten by believing in “the art of the deal,” which is Trump’s claim to competence. However, he has no competence in cutting deals. He needs to be exposed as bad at deal making - all of the Republicans need to be exposed.
Schumer is no deal-maker. He’s a master of “the art of surrender.”
I also called and was informed that the office was closed for the day. Wrote Schumer an email through his website basically saying the same thing as you did. Wrote my other senator, Gillibrand, to the same effect, as well as other senators who I thought might be wavering.
I do not understand how Schumer could be so cowardly at this critical time when Democrats have some leverage.
I called 202-224-3121 but the hours are 9 to 6 and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can send message on his web site www.schumer.senate.gov then select "Leave Comments" which brings you to a form to leave a message. Once on the form change the state from NY with the drop down to your state.
I am not a constituent and since the email form requires you to fill out your full address, I suspect it will get shunted to the side and not get read. I am sending one anyway, but I will be calling as soon as I think the office will be open.
But while on his website, I found this helpful page with ALL of his office locations. Don't just call his DC office - flood his other offices as well!
Thank you for this information! I just got music on the DC number, got a busy signal on the Peekskill number, so I left a message on his website. Will try some of the other numbers later. Very helpful post, thank you!
Yep-left a message on his website. I may be from another state but I’ve supported his causes & donated to him and feel every right to make this request!
His point is that to oppose is to play into GOP hands who will turn it on the Dems rather than having to answer for all that happens--knowing how poor the Dems have been at messaging I am feeling extremely scared and uneasy about either choice.
Either way is bad, it seems. But saying 'no' is at least putting up resistance, using strength rather than shrinking in fear. There are some Democrats who've shown some good messaging and may be building a movement and a following -- Larson of Connecticut was impressive recently. Bernie and AOC, of course.
My message was a bit more aggressive! I told him to deliver or find another line of work and suggested Pelosi would bring the Republicans to their knees before she conceded to them. And suggested he step aside and let talent rise to the occasion preferably a female because we take no prisoners when at war.
I also informed him that politics does not apply when you are at war. And he is losing the war. We have been invaded, and our government is being dismantled brick by brick.
People are suffering. Elders are unsure if they will be discharged from nursing homes. Parents are looking at having no insurance for their disabled children. The miliary is being readied and has been stripped of any protections from it being used by the Executive Branch to attack us the people with the JAGs summarily fired.
People are uncertain whether their jobs will hold. The economy is collapsing. I also asked him to READ PROJECT 2025 if not done yet which will show that a MARKET CRASH is part of the plan; and we do not have until the next election or October to address this.
Because under a Government shut down there are no Courts to bring any complaints too!! This is totally intentional. No Congressional oversite NOTHING! TRUMP HAS THE FINAL SAY ON EVERYTHING!!! AND NO ONE CAN DO ANYTHING TO STOP THEIR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES! THEY CAN CLOSE DEPARTMENTS, FIRE EVERYONE!!
Unlike executive branch agencies, the federal courts can continue operations for about two weeks following a government shutdown. https://judicialstudies.duke.edu/
State-level courts are not affected at all. So, there are still courts to fight against trump.
It's also what Schumer is saying -- a shutdown leaves only the executive branch in power with no ability to stop the shutdown except by the executive branch....
It’s not completely right because the judicial branch can keep working for a while. I also think that Schumer is not very brave when it comes to offending his republican colleagues in the Senate. He’s still acting like it’s the Senate of the 20th century. But wishing for that does not make it so. He seems to be as delusional as trump.
Thanks for your reply and explanation which makes more sense to me after watching Schumer for quite a while. I think he's not as delusional as trump though....
Are you a bot or just uninformed? That is not true. Norm has made it very clear that the court cases will proceed during a shut down. They are going to fire anyone anyway so we should get something back for helping.
They are all liars about everything so we should never take their word for anything. We need to get something back and we need to power to make it stick. It’s called negotiating. These guys are supposed to be masters of the Senate! Why are they just giving up in advance??
I really like this reply -- I don't see enough energy in the fight to keep our Constitution, like they're too tired or scared or numb. This is a battle -- there isn't any luxury time -- they're supposed to know this stuff and confer about it actively pretty much nonstop.
I am appalled that you have decided to cave into the GOP on the Continuing Resolution. You are in effect OBEYING IN ADVANCE which is the absolutely WORST thing to do with an authoritarian leader!! Just read any of the experts on Authoritarians like Ruth Ben Ghiat or Timothy Snyder.
In a big game of "chicken" YOU are the chicken - and have telegraphed to Trump that he can go ahead and do whatever he and Musk damn well please. They are already shutting down the government a little bit at a time and you would be giving them the time to FINISH the job!!
Also, I am absolutely DISGUSTED that you are trying to disguise your cowardice by claiming you are fighting the CR. A lot of us who are paying attention have recently gotten a lesson in arcane Senate rules and we understand that 60 votes is needed for cloture, but if it passes that stage only a simple majority would be required -- which the GOP already has. YOU WILL BE WASTING THE ONLY CARD the Democrats have!
I understand that this is hard, but I think it is time that you step down from leadership and let someone who still has a fire in their belly take over, This is NOT the Senate you and Joe Biden remember where your "colleagues across the aisle" were willing to negotiate and be reasonable. THOSE DAYS ARE LONG GONE and we must adapt if we don't want our Democracy to be destroyed!!
If they took away my paints, I’d use pastels. If they took away my pastels, I’d use crayons. If they took away my crayons, I’d use pencils. If they stripped me bare, I’d use my blood - Picasso
I went to Schumer's Facebook page.There are several posts where he said he is going to vote "yes". I commented with a simple VOTE NO. There are 2.5k or 3.1k comments on each post with some comments having several hundred likes. I didn't see one comment that supported his decision to vote yes. Not one.
I called Friday morning during office hours. His line cut me off before the phone could ring. Keep calling! I will try again later today, tomorrow, whenever, until I can leave him a piece of advice: study strategy, you superannuated poseur.
I called but too late and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can email as I did just now. The email address is disclosed on the voice mail for Senator Chuck Schumer when the main number transfers you to his line in Congress. You get transferred by answering Charles Schumer when you call and are prompted to say the name of the Senator or Representative you wish to reach. The message directs you to call when the office is open but the offers the website see below.
Then on the website you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a form to leave a message. Once on the form you can put in your info and change the state to your state.
Done! Thank you Laurie!! I wrote a modified version of what Daniel wrote (if this helps others on what to say): I just read the news that you, Senator Schumer, intend to vote to advance the House CR bill funding federal services. I cannot tell you how horrified I am that you have made this awful decision. This legislation will give Donald Trump and President Musk all the ammunition they need to permanently shut down our government and change the complexion of the services we rely on as Americans in the short and long term. You are the elected and endorsed leader of our party in the Senate. You of all people need to demonstrate integrity and backbone. Call their bluff, Senator. You, of all people, should see this is a slippery slope and the Democrats are sliding down fast. I am a lifelong Democrat and if this bill passes because of the cowardice shown by you and the rest of our Senate Democrats, I will truly lose faith that you all have any clear direction or clarity around who I thought you were fighting for -- the people of America! It's hard enough to be blue in a red state (Texas). Now, nationally, Democrats are being abandoned by their party leaders.
Hi Kathi, I like your email and completely agree. I tried a slightly different approach to convince my two democratic senators to vote "NO" on the CR. I hope it's okay to share it here.
I am writing to you because I believe the Senate has one last chance to demonstrate Democrats' unwavering resolve to save our democracy, and show our commitment to helping the American people. Despite Minority Leader Schumer’s unfathomable mistake in judgement by reversing his promise to stop the CR, his action is a rubber stamp for all that Trump has done to dismantle our government, and destroy our democracy.
Palpable fear and weakness is never motivational, and the Senator already has started demoralizing Democratic voters, and destroying the credibility of the Democratic Party. His action also will affect critical lawsuits in which plaintiffs are suing Mr. Trump because only Congress has the‘power of the purse.’ And a "Yes" vote will relinquish that power to Mr. Trump.
If Mr. Schumer believes voters will blame Democrats if there is a government shutdown, he is mistaken. "Limited public polling indicates voters were set to blame Republicans for the shutdown. A Quinnipiac University survey released Thursday found 32% of registered voters would have blamed congressional Democrats for a shutdown, while 31% would have blamed congressional Republicans and 22% would have blamed Trump.”
I am hoping that tomorrow, you and your fellow Democratic Senators will set the record straight, demonstrate your power, and band together to vote "NO." It could change the trajectory of the Trump presidency, and defuse his traitorous agenda. Thank you for your bravery.
Your points are very well made -- that the CR is enabling a shutdown by virtue of what it contains, like the part about no change from day to day for as long as the CR lasts -- no two-week limit on things because the CR says that the calendar will not go forward. So, almost seems like 6 of one, half dozen of another except we aren't actively approvinmg one although we're somewhat inactively approving the other....
They form would not take mine without a home phone. I only have a mobile. I have tried 3 different times. They make sure if you cannot afford two phones, you cannot reach a representative.
Sorry, that is frustrating, but I just sent you a link as well. I'm in MA and entered my full address and zip BUT changed the state which is defaulted to NY and put in my mobile number. Good luck!
Enter your mobile number then -- That is what I did, and it worked fine!
_________________________
Go to the website linked below and then you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a FORM to leave a message. Once on the form you can put in your info and change the state to your state. I entered my mobile no issues.
Carla, thank you for that information. I thought maybe my being out of state was the reason his sight would not take my message. My ZIP Code indicates that I am not in his district or state. However, it was my cell phone number that I listed. Could he be refusing to take messages from anyone who does not have a landline?
The form works fine. I'm in MA but note that the state needs to be changed because it is defaulted to NY. If it is set on NY it will reject you as being not in his district. But his form allows you to change the state. Good luck.
I called but too late and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can email as I did just now. The email address is disclosed on the voice mail for Senator Chuck Schumer when the main number transfers you to his line in Congress.
Then on the website you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a form to leave a message.
Once on the form you can put in your info and **change the state to your state because the form is defaulted to NY. But there is a drop down and you can change the state** Good luck!!
Kate, Schumer doesn't have to change his vote for us to win. Democratic senators can vote however they want to. Mark Kelly of Arizona already said he will be voting "No." We need to tell our Senators that we want them to vote "No" as well. At least, that's what I told mine.
I've called my Senators here in Oregon, and while neither has said how they will vote, I'm confident they're on our side. What makes me angry about Schumer is that he is the "designated leader" who isn't doing a very good job of leading. I hope the "no" vote prevails.
That's great news. I'm not so sure how my Senators in California will vote, but at least we have expressed how we feel. I completely agree with you about Schumer. In fact, I told my senators that "fear and weakness is not motivational." (Or something like that. It's very late and I'm really tired.) Good to hear from you!
That’s great Kate. I thought I already responded, but I don’t see it. I saw Senator Murray’s speech on the Senate floor on the day of the vote, and she’s now one of my favorite Senators.
I called but too late and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can email as I did just now. The email address is disclosed on the voice mail for Senator Chuck Schumer when the main number transfers you to his line in Congress. You get transferred by answering Charles Schumer when you call and are prompted to say the name of the Senator or Representative you wish to reach. The message directs you to call when the office is open but the offers the website see below.
Then on the website you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a form to leave a message. Once on the form you can put in your info and change the state to your state.
I wrote to him, per your request. I told him: if the Repubs can’t pass a bill that retains the purse strings with the Legislative branch, then, the failure to avert a shutdown is on the REPUBS, not the Dems! Shout it out, Chuck! Don’t get steamrolled!
Thanks for the alert, and effort, Jen! We appreciate a TRUE American!
Anyone on either side of the aisle who fails to vote NO is breaking the Constitution by failing to uphold the Constitutional obligation of forever maintaining the purse for Congress Houses only.
Justin, the following is a quote I included in my email to my two Democratic senators, who I am asking to vote "NO." Limited polling suggests that 32% of voters would blame us, but 53% would blame Trump and Republicans.
Perhaps Senator Schumer’s fear about Republicans blaming us for a government shutdown, would have been quelled, if he had seen that “limited public polling indicates voters were set to blame Republicans for the shutdown. A Quinnipiac University survey released Thursday found just 32% of registered voters would have blamed congressional Democrats for a shutdown, while 31% would have blamed congressional Republicans and 22% would have blamed Trump.”
It is polite because Jen suggested that we "be polite." In my first draft, I was brutal, which truly reflects my feelings. If Schumer wasn't aware of this poll, he's an effing moron, and should be removed in any event.
I already contacted him, for all the good it will do. I suspect his staff ignores messages from states other than NY. I said I was writing him in his capacity as minority leader, fellow Democrat, and an American.
I’m also from another state (a red one at that 🤬), but also reminded him that I’ve supported his & other dems’ causes and sent $ to his & their campaigns so as an American I have a right to make my request.
Marina, Me too! But I also sent emails to Schiff and Padilla, and asked them both to vote "NO." No one has to follow Schumer. He's a weak coward who was terrible when he was Majority Leader under Biden, and is abominable now, and must be replaced. We need "fighters" not cowards to represent us. I'm not sure what either of our Senators will do,
Senator Schumer needs to go. I, a lifelong 71 yo Democrat changed my registration today to "Unaffiliated." We are apparently on our own. Our retirement savings has been decimated and now they are going to take away our SS and Medicare. We have worked our entire lives. My husband is a Veteran. We have been betrayed by the GOP, the SCOTUS and now the Dems. What now? No more money, no more calls, no more anything. No more country.
I did the same thing. Changed my lifelong Dem affiliation to Independent. They are bleeding support but don’t seem to care. Schumer was standing firm yesterday but now has done an about face. Did someone get to him?
I have wondered if the people who are going against our constitution and our democracy by bowing to the bully, have been threatened and feel unsafe for themselves or their families, if not still more. If that is happening, what can be done?
Children are taught that when they are bullied, there are three things they must do. Posters I have seen give them the instructions to Say NO, go, and tell. They summarize the directions in three words. “No. Go. Tell.”
What can adults do to protect themselves? What can other adults do to help? Who is trustworthy enough to be told? What can our country do to help if threats are being made, especially at such a level?
I have long been registered "unenrolled" (independent) but vote a straight D ticket and volunteer extensively to elect Democrats. I have been considering registering as a Democrat to send a message to the REPUBLICANS. You might want to think of it that way.
Susan, I share your concerns and am older. Do you need to be registered as a Demacrat to get a Drmacrat ballot in the primary? Actually, we are always asked which ballot we want In the primary elections. Requesting is never which party is ours, so I suppose voting in the primary is not a problem. I do know of someone who never voted in a primary election. I believe he thought that an affiliation might cause a problem in his business. That person is no longer living, but I learned from his family that he would never declare a party. That was a surprise to me.
I sent an email as soon as I heard about this on CNN. Outrageous!! I also tried to call and concur voice-mail turned off. Apparently he now also adheres to the Republican cowardice of avoiding public comment. He needs to be replaced as the Senate minority leader. I also left messages with both of my MN senators to vote No.
I sent Chuck the same message I sent to my own Senators King and Collins.
I continue in a state of shock, as I watch our 250 year experiment collapse before my eyes. All the Constitutional institutions are failing, many civil ones, I fear irreversibly.
An unelected billionaire from apartheid South Africa is running around firing the federal government, taking all our personal data. This must end, and be reversed, NOW.
Until the Trump administration begins to adhere to the Constitution and the law, and any sense of shared American values and morals, I plead with you to say NO, NO, NO, to any nomination, committee report, or floor vote, every single one, until this administration begins to act as if it were not aligned with our foreign enemies, primarily Putin, more than US citizens.
Also just sent this to my Senator King - I'm assuming Collins is a lost cause.
I am asking you in the strongest possible terms, vote NO on this Trump/Musk budget.
I have heard the argument, from Senator Schumer, that there are two bad choices. That's completely wrong and in my opinion cowardly. Going along with the GOP plan is bad, wrong, disastrous for all Americans. The other choice, voting NO, will simply leave the status quo. Look around - government is already shutting down. Support Sen Murray's bill for a 30 day "real CR", not a complete new GOP budget masquerading as a CR.
And please impress upon Senator Schumer that nobody will blame Democrats for a "shutdown", because with Trump/Musk in charge, and the courts orders not being followed, we are already in a shutdown.
“You have been in government way too long, sir, when you behave as though protecting the government is more important than protecting the people. This heinous administration is weaponizing the government against people like me, professional women of color, every single day. We do not consent to you, rubber stamping their actions via a yes vote for the continuing resolution. If you can’t stand for us, we will stand for ourselves. Unregistering as a Democrat tonight. - Dr. Meenakshi Dutta, Pediatrician”
I'm a lifelong 59 yo Dem. I have supported the dems financially, I've canvassed, I've collected petitions, I've protested at the women's march in 2017, marched for science, protested at tesla dealerships in Tucson, AZ with my family. It is reprehensible that you would consider supporting the bogus continuing resolution when the PEOPLE are demanding that the current administration and its sycophants AKA: republicans are holding the nation hostage, breaking down the government and traitorously giving it away to Russia. My son was just accepted into a hard-earned science based PhD program at Purdue yet the cuts to science and universities threaten his future -- actually all of our futures. The people are exhausted but we will fight on. Why won't you?
After the interview tonight with Chris Hayes I literally called every single one of his offices. None of them are taking Voicemails. And they were just two days ago when I called. I emails and demanded that I get a non-generic response as to why yesterday he said that he and the senate would vote no and suddenly today he will vote yes on the CR. Seriously probably time to consider moving out of this country. F’ING leaders will not support us. 🤬
Agreed. I am officially switching my status as a Democrat to an Independent. Shame on our party to behave this way…especially after our disastrous outcome in the NOV 2024 election. The Republican party has been F’ed up for a while: I believe tonight was the breaking point for the Democratic Party. They failed us……I am no longer a loyal Dem. It’s time for some sort of new party. Vote these establishment politicians out that are so unable to meet the moment we are facing.
I posted a comment on Schumer's Facebook post where he says he is voting yes. It was a simple VOTE NO added to the very many other comments that are public so our voices are heard.
jab…Writing to Collins will haunt her & haunt her staff, who read/note the messages received. Let’s keep haunting via our steady, repeated communications…I’ve witnessed its effectiveness over 74 years.
I called but the office is closed for the day, so I wrote home thusly:
I just read the news that you, Senator Schumer, intend to vote to advance the horrendous House CR bill funding federal services. I cannot tell you how horrified I am that you have made this awful decision. To paraphrase the asshole currently occupying the White House, we don't have ANY OTHER CARDS!! This legislation will give Donald Trump and President Musk all the ammunition they need to do permanently what a government shut down would do only short term. If you continue down this road, and enough Democrats join you, we can stick a fork in it. Our Democracy is done. Grow a frigging spine and call their bluff, Senator. Otherwise this country as we know it is done!
I am a lifelong Democrat and if this bill passes because of the cowardice shown by you all in the Senate, I will ditch my party and will do everything in my power (granted, it's not much ... but still) to make sure you are never again reelected.
"Cards" are indeed the right metaphor. And our hand may be miserable, but what's required first is the courage to say no to this dog's breakfast of a bill. House Republicans have all fled Dodge anyhow -- they have no intention of working out a budget with the Senate. Call them on their bluff.
Exactly the right strategy, I also agree.
I think Senator Schumer was beaten by believing in “the art of the deal,” which is Trump’s claim to competence. However, he has no competence in cutting deals. He needs to be exposed as bad at deal making - all of the Republicans need to be exposed.
Schumer is no deal-maker. He’s a master of “the art of surrender.”
I also called and was informed that the office was closed for the day. Wrote Schumer an email through his website basically saying the same thing as you did. Wrote my other senator, Gillibrand, to the same effect, as well as other senators who I thought might be wavering.
I do not understand how Schumer could be so cowardly at this critical time when Democrats have some leverage.
I called 202-224-3121 but the hours are 9 to 6 and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can send message on his web site www.schumer.senate.gov then select "Leave Comments" which brings you to a form to leave a message. Once on the form change the state from NY with the drop down to your state.
I am not a constituent and since the email form requires you to fill out your full address, I suspect it will get shunted to the side and not get read. I am sending one anyway, but I will be calling as soon as I think the office will be open.
But while on his website, I found this helpful page with ALL of his office locations. Don't just call his DC office - flood his other offices as well!
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact#office-locations
Thanks for this--I called all the numbers and no one is picking up but I left messages. Though the Peekskill office doesn't even let you do that.
I tried all the numbers, too--disconnected after three rings.
Thank you for this information! I just got music on the DC number, got a busy signal on the Peekskill number, so I left a message on his website. Will try some of the other numbers later. Very helpful post, thank you!
Yep-left a message on his website. I may be from another state but I’ve supported his causes & donated to him and feel every right to make this request!
As the Minority Leader, he represents ALL Democrats!
Cheryl, thanks for this invaluable information.
Thanks for the website. Wrote to him.
Thx I’ll try the other offices, was on hold over 15 minutes just now for congressional office
He says the shutdown is the worst of two terrible choices because there's no way out of a shutdown but by the executive branch.
Send it anyway!!!
Here's a perspective from Senator Mark Kelly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIh7oHWwcoc
His point is that to oppose is to play into GOP hands who will turn it on the Dems rather than having to answer for all that happens--knowing how poor the Dems have been at messaging I am feeling extremely scared and uneasy about either choice.
Either way is bad, it seems. But saying 'no' is at least putting up resistance, using strength rather than shrinking in fear. There are some Democrats who've shown some good messaging and may be building a movement and a following -- Larson of Connecticut was impressive recently. Bernie and AOC, of course.
My message was a bit more aggressive! I told him to deliver or find another line of work and suggested Pelosi would bring the Republicans to their knees before she conceded to them. And suggested he step aside and let talent rise to the occasion preferably a female because we take no prisoners when at war.
I also informed him that politics does not apply when you are at war. And he is losing the war. We have been invaded, and our government is being dismantled brick by brick.
People are suffering. Elders are unsure if they will be discharged from nursing homes. Parents are looking at having no insurance for their disabled children. The miliary is being readied and has been stripped of any protections from it being used by the Executive Branch to attack us the people with the JAGs summarily fired.
People are uncertain whether their jobs will hold. The economy is collapsing. I also asked him to READ PROJECT 2025 if not done yet which will show that a MARKET CRASH is part of the plan; and we do not have until the next election or October to address this.
Couldn't agree more. This is a huge shit show. Desperate times/desperate measures.
Fellow New Yorker AOC tells it like it is and it is she who should be leading the Democrats not Schumer!!
https://bsky.app/profile/acyn.bsky.social/post/3lkcdggnras2a
She is in the House not the Senate, unfortunately.
Because under a Government shut down there are no Courts to bring any complaints too!! This is totally intentional. No Congressional oversite NOTHING! TRUMP HAS THE FINAL SAY ON EVERYTHING!!! AND NO ONE CAN DO ANYTHING TO STOP THEIR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES! THEY CAN CLOSE DEPARTMENTS, FIRE EVERYONE!!
Unlike executive branch agencies, the federal courts can continue operations for about two weeks following a government shutdown. https://judicialstudies.duke.edu/
State-level courts are not affected at all. So, there are still courts to fight against trump.
Exactly. Thank you. This is a republican talking point trying to scare Democrats into caving.
It's also what Schumer is saying -- a shutdown leaves only the executive branch in power with no ability to stop the shutdown except by the executive branch....
It’s not completely right because the judicial branch can keep working for a while. I also think that Schumer is not very brave when it comes to offending his republican colleagues in the Senate. He’s still acting like it’s the Senate of the 20th century. But wishing for that does not make it so. He seems to be as delusional as trump.
Thanks for your reply and explanation which makes more sense to me after watching Schumer for quite a while. I think he's not as delusional as trump though....
Well, Schumer is wrong about that. Did he graduate from college? What’s his degree in? Being well-liked? Is Chuck Schumer the new Willie Loman?
Full link: https://judicialstudies.duke.edu/2024/05/how-a-u-s-government-shutdown-impacts-courts-access-to-justice/
They are already doing that.
Are you a bot or just uninformed? That is not true. Norm has made it very clear that the court cases will proceed during a shut down. They are going to fire anyone anyway so we should get something back for helping.
Do we have the power to get something back for helping before we help or only after when we also have to rely on them keeping their word?
They are all liars about everything so we should never take their word for anything. We need to get something back and we need to power to make it stick. It’s called negotiating. These guys are supposed to be masters of the Senate! Why are they just giving up in advance??
I really like this reply -- I don't see enough energy in the fight to keep our Constitution, like they're too tired or scared or numb. This is a battle -- there isn't any luxury time -- they're supposed to know this stuff and confer about it actively pretty much nonstop.
Exactly. Well said.
I wrote the following to Schumer:
I am appalled that you have decided to cave into the GOP on the Continuing Resolution. You are in effect OBEYING IN ADVANCE which is the absolutely WORST thing to do with an authoritarian leader!! Just read any of the experts on Authoritarians like Ruth Ben Ghiat or Timothy Snyder.
In a big game of "chicken" YOU are the chicken - and have telegraphed to Trump that he can go ahead and do whatever he and Musk damn well please. They are already shutting down the government a little bit at a time and you would be giving them the time to FINISH the job!!
Also, I am absolutely DISGUSTED that you are trying to disguise your cowardice by claiming you are fighting the CR. A lot of us who are paying attention have recently gotten a lesson in arcane Senate rules and we understand that 60 votes is needed for cloture, but if it passes that stage only a simple majority would be required -- which the GOP already has. YOU WILL BE WASTING THE ONLY CARD the Democrats have!
I understand that this is hard, but I think it is time that you step down from leadership and let someone who still has a fire in their belly take over, This is NOT the Senate you and Joe Biden remember where your "colleagues across the aisle" were willing to negotiate and be reasonable. THOSE DAYS ARE LONG GONE and we must adapt if we don't want our Democracy to be destroyed!!
If they took away my paints, I’d use pastels. If they took away my pastels, I’d use crayons. If they took away my crayons, I’d use pencils. If they stripped me bare, I’d use my blood - Picasso
Love this comment-glad you sent it to Schumer.
I went to Schumer's Facebook page.There are several posts where he said he is going to vote "yes". I commented with a simple VOTE NO. There are 2.5k or 3.1k comments on each post with some comments having several hundred likes. I didn't see one comment that supported his decision to vote yes. Not one.
I’m not on FB, and what you say indicates that not even Senator Schumer pays the slightest attention to what appears on FB.
I don’t do FB anymore so thanks for sharing that information.
I called Friday morning during office hours. His line cut me off before the phone could ring. Keep calling! I will try again later today, tomorrow, whenever, until I can leave him a piece of advice: study strategy, you superannuated poseur.
thank you. I hope you don't mind that I "borrowed" your first paragraph. Didn't have time to craft one of my own.
I called but too late and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can email as I did just now. The email address is disclosed on the voice mail for Senator Chuck Schumer when the main number transfers you to his line in Congress. You get transferred by answering Charles Schumer when you call and are prompted to say the name of the Senator or Representative you wish to reach. The message directs you to call when the office is open but the offers the website see below.
Then on the website you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a form to leave a message. Once on the form you can put in your info and change the state to your state.
WWW.SCHUMER.SENATE.GOV
Schumer must be replaced!
Absolutely! Schumer should not have been re-elected to leadership. If he votes yes, I'm all in for having him replaced.
That's exactly what I said in my message to him.
Cowardly.
I already sent a message. I have heard there is no use in calling tonight. He has no voicemail.
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
Done! Thank you Laurie!! I wrote a modified version of what Daniel wrote (if this helps others on what to say): I just read the news that you, Senator Schumer, intend to vote to advance the House CR bill funding federal services. I cannot tell you how horrified I am that you have made this awful decision. This legislation will give Donald Trump and President Musk all the ammunition they need to permanently shut down our government and change the complexion of the services we rely on as Americans in the short and long term. You are the elected and endorsed leader of our party in the Senate. You of all people need to demonstrate integrity and backbone. Call their bluff, Senator. You, of all people, should see this is a slippery slope and the Democrats are sliding down fast. I am a lifelong Democrat and if this bill passes because of the cowardice shown by you and the rest of our Senate Democrats, I will truly lose faith that you all have any clear direction or clarity around who I thought you were fighting for -- the people of America! It's hard enough to be blue in a red state (Texas). Now, nationally, Democrats are being abandoned by their party leaders.
Hi Kathi, I like your email and completely agree. I tried a slightly different approach to convince my two democratic senators to vote "NO" on the CR. I hope it's okay to share it here.
I am writing to you because I believe the Senate has one last chance to demonstrate Democrats' unwavering resolve to save our democracy, and show our commitment to helping the American people. Despite Minority Leader Schumer’s unfathomable mistake in judgement by reversing his promise to stop the CR, his action is a rubber stamp for all that Trump has done to dismantle our government, and destroy our democracy.
Palpable fear and weakness is never motivational, and the Senator already has started demoralizing Democratic voters, and destroying the credibility of the Democratic Party. His action also will affect critical lawsuits in which plaintiffs are suing Mr. Trump because only Congress has the‘power of the purse.’ And a "Yes" vote will relinquish that power to Mr. Trump.
If Mr. Schumer believes voters will blame Democrats if there is a government shutdown, he is mistaken. "Limited public polling indicates voters were set to blame Republicans for the shutdown. A Quinnipiac University survey released Thursday found 32% of registered voters would have blamed congressional Democrats for a shutdown, while 31% would have blamed congressional Republicans and 22% would have blamed Trump.”
I am hoping that tomorrow, you and your fellow Democratic Senators will set the record straight, demonstrate your power, and band together to vote "NO." It could change the trajectory of the Trump presidency, and defuse his traitorous agenda. Thank you for your bravery.
Great points Susan. Thank you!
Ditto.
Your points are very well made -- that the CR is enabling a shutdown by virtue of what it contains, like the part about no change from day to day for as long as the CR lasts -- no two-week limit on things because the CR says that the calendar will not go forward. So, almost seems like 6 of one, half dozen of another except we aren't actively approvinmg one although we're somewhat inactively approving the other....
Done! Thanks Laurie.
Me, too.
Done. Thanks for the link
Thank you for this site to make contact.
They form would not take mine without a home phone. I only have a mobile. I have tried 3 different times. They make sure if you cannot afford two phones, you cannot reach a representative.
Just list your mobile number as your home phone.
Helen, thank you. That answers my question. The refusal if my message must be due to my zip code.
Sorry, that is frustrating, but I just sent you a link as well. I'm in MA and entered my full address and zip BUT changed the state which is defaulted to NY and put in my mobile number. Good luck!
Thank you! I just tried again this morning, kept my message simple, and it went through!
If you only have a cell, that is your home number.
if that's all you have, that is your home phone.
Only used my cell and it worked. I included the “-“.
It works just fine to leave a cell phone. I just did with no problem
just put your mobile number in. they don't know the difference. (I hate to do that, but when it's required.... sigh.)
Jane, I understand. My tv senators also require my phone number.
I put my cell phone in. It worked.
Enter your mobile number then -- That is what I did, and it worked fine!
_________________________
Go to the website linked below and then you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a FORM to leave a message. Once on the form you can put in your info and change the state to your state. I entered my mobile no issues.
WWW.SCHUMER.SENATE.GOV
Carla, thank you for that information. I thought maybe my being out of state was the reason his sight would not take my message. My ZIP Code indicates that I am not in his district or state. However, it was my cell phone number that I listed. Could he be refusing to take messages from anyone who does not have a landline?
The form works fine. I'm in MA but note that the state needs to be changed because it is defaulted to NY. If it is set on NY it will reject you as being not in his district. But his form allows you to change the state. Good luck.
Thank you!
thats effed up
I think the poster did not change the state which is defaulted to NY the form works. I'm in MA and it worked fine.
This only works for New York state voters though
The form allows you to CHANGE the state. There is a drop down. Good luck. It worked for me and I'm in Boston. :)
I’m from a different state, used my cell and current address and it accepted mine without changing anything!?
Thank you for the link. What a huge disappointment.
Replacement with new leadership now!
I got the same result, no voicemail. Will at least write at schumer.senate.gov and try to call again tomorrow
I posted a VOTE NO on his Facebook page
Where is his Facebook page that allows you to post or message?
I called but too late and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can email as I did just now. The email address is disclosed on the voice mail for Senator Chuck Schumer when the main number transfers you to his line in Congress.
Then on the website you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a form to leave a message.
Once on the form you can put in your info and **change the state to your state because the form is defaulted to NY. But there is a drop down and you can change the state** Good luck!!
WWW.SCHUMER.SENATE.GOV
I left a comment on his Facebook page, a simple VOTE NO
Thousands of comments all saying vote no. I added to the list.
FB comments are visible to everyone, and the numbers are important. Schumer probably won't change his vote, but our voices will be heard.
Kate, Schumer doesn't have to change his vote for us to win. Democratic senators can vote however they want to. Mark Kelly of Arizona already said he will be voting "No." We need to tell our Senators that we want them to vote "No" as well. At least, that's what I told mine.
I've called my Senators here in Oregon, and while neither has said how they will vote, I'm confident they're on our side. What makes me angry about Schumer is that he is the "designated leader" who isn't doing a very good job of leading. I hope the "no" vote prevails.
That's great news. I'm not so sure how my Senators in California will vote, but at least we have expressed how we feel. I completely agree with you about Schumer. In fact, I told my senators that "fear and weakness is not motivational." (Or something like that. It's very late and I'm really tired.) Good to hear from you!
That’s great Kate. I thought I already responded, but I don’t see it. I saw Senator Murray’s speech on the Senate floor on the day of the vote, and she’s now one of my favorite Senators.
True. Tell me: how backward is that? Sent an email instead.
I called but too late and will call again tomorrow. BUT you can email as I did just now. The email address is disclosed on the voice mail for Senator Chuck Schumer when the main number transfers you to his line in Congress. You get transferred by answering Charles Schumer when you call and are prompted to say the name of the Senator or Representative you wish to reach. The message directs you to call when the office is open but the offers the website see below.
Then on the website you select "LEAVE A COMMENT" which brings you to a form to leave a message. Once on the form you can put in your info and change the state to your state.
WWW.SCHUMER.SENATE.GOV
Helpful link- 😊 Thanks. Message sent. ☑️
I wrote to him, per your request. I told him: if the Repubs can’t pass a bill that retains the purse strings with the Legislative branch, then, the failure to avert a shutdown is on the REPUBS, not the Dems! Shout it out, Chuck! Don’t get steamrolled!
Thanks for the alert, and effort, Jen! We appreciate a TRUE American!
Anyone on either side of the aisle who fails to vote NO is breaking the Constitution by failing to uphold the Constitutional obligation of forever maintaining the purse for Congress Houses only.
Justin, the following is a quote I included in my email to my two Democratic senators, who I am asking to vote "NO." Limited polling suggests that 32% of voters would blame us, but 53% would blame Trump and Republicans.
Perhaps Senator Schumer’s fear about Republicans blaming us for a government shutdown, would have been quelled, if he had seen that “limited public polling indicates voters were set to blame Republicans for the shutdown. A Quinnipiac University survey released Thursday found just 32% of registered voters would have blamed congressional Democrats for a shutdown, while 31% would have blamed congressional Republicans and 22% would have blamed Trump.”
It is polite because Jen suggested that we "be polite." In my first draft, I was brutal, which truly reflects my feelings. If Schumer wasn't aware of this poll, he's an effing moron, and should be removed in any event.
What a disaster! I’m sorry for you guys and for the whole world.
Today Borowitz suggested about stop paying the taxes, but you need to do it all together, as they did in Great Britain with Margaret Thatcher in 1990 . She had to resign. From 🇨🇦 with 💗 https://open.substack.com/pub/borowitzreport/p/will-there-be-a-tax-revolt?
I have no intention of filing. May extend, but will not pay.
Good idea, extend till 2028 and you should be good to go!
If you file for extension, you are still supposed to pay an estimate. Although I know a few people just never file.
Thanks for your support
Voicemail is off. Coward. What a pathetic, foolish betrayal. I am a Californian, but sent an email to Schumer nonetheless.
Send a comment and then call first thing in the morning! https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
I already contacted him, for all the good it will do. I suspect his staff ignores messages from states other than NY. I said I was writing him in his capacity as minority leader, fellow Democrat, and an American.
I’m also from another state (a red one at that 🤬), but also reminded him that I’ve supported his & other dems’ causes and sent $ to his & their campaigns so as an American I have a right to make my request.
Left a VOTE NO comment on his Facebook page. That way everyone will see it.
I've said this several times, please post a comment on Schumer's Facebook page if you are on that platform.
As usual, California came through:
CA Senators Padilla, Schiff to vote against GOP's stopgap budget ...
Los Angeles Times
https://www.latimes.com › politics › story › padilla-schi...
Marina, Me too! But I also sent emails to Schiff and Padilla, and asked them both to vote "NO." No one has to follow Schumer. He's a weak coward who was terrible when he was Majority Leader under Biden, and is abominable now, and must be replaced. We need "fighters" not cowards to represent us. I'm not sure what either of our Senators will do,
I wrote to both Padilla and Schumer a few days ago.
Thanks for responding! I appreciate it. We all did our part. Too bad Schumer didn’t do his!
I meant Schiff…
Senator Schumer needs to go. I, a lifelong 71 yo Democrat changed my registration today to "Unaffiliated." We are apparently on our own. Our retirement savings has been decimated and now they are going to take away our SS and Medicare. We have worked our entire lives. My husband is a Veteran. We have been betrayed by the GOP, the SCOTUS and now the Dems. What now? No more money, no more calls, no more anything. No more country.
I did the same thing. Changed my lifelong Dem affiliation to Independent. They are bleeding support but don’t seem to care. Schumer was standing firm yesterday but now has done an about face. Did someone get to him?
I have wondered if the people who are going against our constitution and our democracy by bowing to the bully, have been threatened and feel unsafe for themselves or their families, if not still more. If that is happening, what can be done?
Children are taught that when they are bullied, there are three things they must do. Posters I have seen give them the instructions to Say NO, go, and tell. They summarize the directions in three words. “No. Go. Tell.”
What can adults do to protect themselves? What can other adults do to help? Who is trustworthy enough to be told? What can our country do to help if threats are being made, especially at such a level?
I have long been registered "unenrolled" (independent) but vote a straight D ticket and volunteer extensively to elect Democrats. I have been considering registering as a Democrat to send a message to the REPUBLICANS. You might want to think of it that way.
Susan, I share your concerns and am older. Do you need to be registered as a Demacrat to get a Drmacrat ballot in the primary? Actually, we are always asked which ballot we want In the primary elections. Requesting is never which party is ours, so I suppose voting in the primary is not a problem. I do know of someone who never voted in a primary election. I believe he thought that an affiliation might cause a problem in his business. That person is no longer living, but I learned from his family that he would never declare a party. That was a surprise to me.
This differs between states. You should find out the policies where you live.
Thank you for the explanation, Robin. I only know about one state.
Message sent!! I so appreciate the Contrarian!
I sent an email as soon as I heard about this on CNN. Outrageous!! I also tried to call and concur voice-mail turned off. Apparently he now also adheres to the Republican cowardice of avoiding public comment. He needs to be replaced as the Senate minority leader. I also left messages with both of my MN senators to vote No.
I sent Chuck the same message I sent to my own Senators King and Collins.
I continue in a state of shock, as I watch our 250 year experiment collapse before my eyes. All the Constitutional institutions are failing, many civil ones, I fear irreversibly.
An unelected billionaire from apartheid South Africa is running around firing the federal government, taking all our personal data. This must end, and be reversed, NOW.
Until the Trump administration begins to adhere to the Constitution and the law, and any sense of shared American values and morals, I plead with you to say NO, NO, NO, to any nomination, committee report, or floor vote, every single one, until this administration begins to act as if it were not aligned with our foreign enemies, primarily Putin, more than US citizens.
Also just sent this to my Senator King - I'm assuming Collins is a lost cause.
I am asking you in the strongest possible terms, vote NO on this Trump/Musk budget.
I have heard the argument, from Senator Schumer, that there are two bad choices. That's completely wrong and in my opinion cowardly. Going along with the GOP plan is bad, wrong, disastrous for all Americans. The other choice, voting NO, will simply leave the status quo. Look around - government is already shutting down. Support Sen Murray's bill for a 30 day "real CR", not a complete new GOP budget masquerading as a CR.
And please impress upon Senator Schumer that nobody will blame Democrats for a "shutdown", because with Trump/Musk in charge, and the courts orders not being followed, we are already in a shutdown.
Thank you, Jen Rubin.
I sent this:
“You have been in government way too long, sir, when you behave as though protecting the government is more important than protecting the people. This heinous administration is weaponizing the government against people like me, professional women of color, every single day. We do not consent to you, rubber stamping their actions via a yes vote for the continuing resolution. If you can’t stand for us, we will stand for ourselves. Unregistering as a Democrat tonight. - Dr. Meenakshi Dutta, Pediatrician”
I sent an e-mail. Very angry that he buckled and that's an understatement...🤬
This is what I wrote:
I'm a lifelong 59 yo Dem. I have supported the dems financially, I've canvassed, I've collected petitions, I've protested at the women's march in 2017, marched for science, protested at tesla dealerships in Tucson, AZ with my family. It is reprehensible that you would consider supporting the bogus continuing resolution when the PEOPLE are demanding that the current administration and its sycophants AKA: republicans are holding the nation hostage, breaking down the government and traitorously giving it away to Russia. My son was just accepted into a hard-earned science based PhD program at Purdue yet the cuts to science and universities threaten his future -- actually all of our futures. The people are exhausted but we will fight on. Why won't you?
Beautifully written.
The point he makes about leaving the doors all open-even more than they are now—and giving all the power to
The Executive Unscrupulous Branch is a strong one. Our country is in a perilous place.
After the interview tonight with Chris Hayes I literally called every single one of his offices. None of them are taking Voicemails. And they were just two days ago when I called. I emails and demanded that I get a non-generic response as to why yesterday he said that he and the senate would vote no and suddenly today he will vote yes on the CR. Seriously probably time to consider moving out of this country. F’ING leaders will not support us. 🤬
They turned them off. They knew the blowback they will receive, they just don't give a rat's butt.
Agreed. I am officially switching my status as a Democrat to an Independent. Shame on our party to behave this way…especially after our disastrous outcome in the NOV 2024 election. The Republican party has been F’ed up for a while: I believe tonight was the breaking point for the Democratic Party. They failed us……I am no longer a loyal Dem. It’s time for some sort of new party. Vote these establishment politicians out that are so unable to meet the moment we are facing.
I posted a comment on Schumer's Facebook post where he says he is voting yes. It was a simple VOTE NO added to the very many other comments that are public so our voices are heard.
I sent a mail!
jab…Writing to Collins will haunt her & haunt her staff, who read/note the messages received. Let’s keep haunting via our steady, repeated communications…I’ve witnessed its effectiveness over 74 years.
I watched him on MSNBC. If he meant what he said, it is time to replace the Minority Leader with someone who is not afraid to lead the resistance
Exactly!