SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER IS WILLING TO RISK A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AT THE END OF THE MONTH IF REPUBLICANS DON’T ACCEPT DEMOCRATIC DEMANDS ON HEALTH CARE.

 

SCHUMER TOLD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HE AND HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES OPPOSE ANY LEGISLATION THAT DOESN’T INCLUDE KEY HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS AND A COMMITMENT NOT TO ROLL THEM BACK.

 

SOUNDBITE (English) Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D) New York:

“House and Senate Democrats are in total agreement. What the Republicans are proposing is not good enough for the American people and not good enough to get our votes.”

 

SCHUMER ARGUES THE COUNTRY IS IN A DIFFERENT PLACE THAN IT WAS EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHEN HE ARGUED AGAINST A SHUTDOWN.

 

SOUNDBITE (English) Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader:

“Republicans have to come to meet us with a true bipartisan negotiation to satisfy the American people's needs on health care and lower people's costs.”

 

THE NEW YORK SENATOR WEATHERED BACKLASH FROM FELLOW DEMOCRATS IN MARCH WHEN HE VOTED WITH REPUBLICANS TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OPEN.

 

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER JOHN THUNE SAYS SCHUMER NEEDS TO APPROACH REPUBLICANS WITH A HEALTH CARE PROPOSAL.