Chaos Erupts as Shutdown Tensions Reach a Breaking Point – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
11:15 AM – Friday, March 14, 2025
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the “Squad,” confronted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday regarding his decision not to block a GOP-backed stopgap bill to evade a partial government shutdown.
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As reported by CNN, Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is rallying fellow Democrats to oppose Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) strategy, pointing out that some colleagues have privately urged her to contemplate a primary challenge against him.
During an interview with CNN host Jake Tapper, when asked if Schumer is a “weak” leader, Ocasio-Cortez asserted that failing to oppose the proposed bill would be a grave error for the Democrats.
“But we have — we have time between now and tomorrow, and I hope that individuals that are considering that — reconsider it, I genuinely do. I don’t think it’s what New Yorkers want. I don’t think it’s what the country wants,” stated Ocasio-Cortez.
The New York representative criticized the bill, claiming it would set up a “slush fund” for President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
“I cannot stress enough how detrimental it is to empower and enable Donald Trump and Elon Musk at this moment. It is both dangerous and reckless,” AOC informed Tapper.
She firmly reiterated that the time for Democratic action is immediate.
“The American people, whether they identify as Republicans, Independents, or Democrats, are outraged by Elon Musk and the apparent dismantling of federal agencies across the board,” AOC declared.
“This continuing resolution effectively legitimizes much of the turmoil that Elon Musk is causing within the federal government. It enshrines many of those alterations,” she continued.
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking towards a partial government shutdown set to commence at the close of business on Friday unless a funding bill is ratified beforehand. Earlier this week, the Republican-controlled House narrowly approved a six-month continuing resolution.
Before Schumer’s endorsement, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the only Senate Democrat to explicitly express support for not obstructing the Republican stopgap bill. Other Democratic lawmakers have issued statements in opposition to the GOP’s proposal.
Government shutdowns come at a high cost to the nation.
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the previous government shutdown was estimated to have resulted in a permanent loss of approximately $3 billion, as reported by CBS News.
The Senate has until 23:59 ET on Friday to reach a decision or face a shutdown.
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