Schumer urges bipartisan spending bills, says Trump budget priorities are “lopsided”

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday called on Senate Republicans to pursue bipartisan spending legislation, arguing that President Donald Trump’s budget proposal is “lopsided” and pushing for bills that can clear Congress before funding deadlines.

Schumer made the remarks as lawmakers continue working to advance annual appropriations and other must-pass fiscal measures, with deadlines looming that can raise the risk of a lapse in government funding. He urged Republicans, in particular, to bring Democrats into negotiations on funding levels and priorities.

In comments reported Monday, Schumer criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) for moving an annual legislative vehicle, the National Defense Authorization Act, through the Senate in a way Schumer said has sidelined broader bipartisan funding discussions.

Schumer’s call focused on what he described as the practical need to secure bipartisan agreements on spending bills. He characterized the administration’s overall approach as uneven, and he argued that the Senate should respond through legislation that can attract votes from both parties.

Schumer also tied his request to the near-term legislative calendar, saying bipartisan funding bills are needed to keep the federal government operating without interruption. The remarks were presented against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations over funding levels and policy riders that can shape final appropriations packages.

At issue in the broader talks is how the Senate will structure its spending work for the year, including which measures are bundled together and what timelines the chamber will follow. In past cycles, delays in appropriations and disputes over top-line spending figures have created pressure for late-stage agreements.

For Senate Republicans, the request centers on whether they will shift toward broader bipartisan negotiations on spending, including any areas where Democrats and Republicans have different priorities. For Democrats, Schumer’s emphasis is on using the Senate’s leverage to require a funding plan that can command enough support to avoid a shutdown scenario.