WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who is not running for re-election in 2026, joined nine other Senate Democrats in handing Republicans a win by advancing a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government on Friday. The bill cleared the Senate with a 54-46 vote, averting a government shutdown. Interestingly, although Peters advanced the CR to a floor vote, he voted no on its final passage. Two other Democrats crossed party lines to ensure its final passage.
The bill cuts $13 billion from non-defense discretionary spending, adds $6 billion to the defense budget, and ramps up funding for ICE and border security – moves that have outraged progressives.
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Progressives blasted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who initially opposed the bill, then reversed course and let it move forward, only to ultimately vote against it. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) called Schumer’s reversal a “deep sense of outrage and betrayal,” while others dubbed the move the “Schumer surrender.” Some Democrats are now calling for Schumer’s ouster and urging a primary challenge from AOC.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) slammed the deal, calling it Republican austerity and falsely accused the GOP of plotting to gut Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.
But despite Democratic infighting, the bill headed to President Trump’s desk and he signed it on Saturday, ensuring six months of government funding until September.
What’s in the CR?
Peters and other moderates argue the bill keeps the government functioning, while progressives see it as a Trojan horse for Republican priorities. They argue that the bill gives the Trump administration broad discretion over how funds are allocated – something left-wing critics call a “blank check” to redirect federal resources and reshape programs with little congressional oversight.
Republicans see this flexibility as a major win, allowing Trump and the Office of Management and Budget to cut costs and pursue efficiency without resistance from bureaucrats or Democrats.
Peters: No re-election, no pressure.
Unlike vulnerable Democrats eyeing re-election, Peters had political freedom to break from the party’s progressive base. In a statement on X about his vote, Peters explained, “Under a normal administration, a government shutdown would be devastating to families in Michigan and across the country who count on federal programs for health care, veterans’ benefits and small business loans.” He went on to say that a government shutdown under President Trump would give him and DOGE’s Elon Musk and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) “unchecked power” to continue their “illegal campaign of dismantling agencies that provide services that Americans need.”
Déjà Vu?
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Although Peters and other Democrats had accused Trump and the GOP of wanting to cherry-pick which parts of the government to shut down if the plan had moved forward, it’s ironic considering Democrats did exactly that during the partial government shutdown under Obama in 2013. Back then, they selectively targeted programs that would create the most public outrage and media attention to alarm Americans.
During that time, the Obama administration faced criticism for selectively closing facilities and services, some of which seemed designed to maximize public frustration. Media reports at the time highlighted the closures and restrictions of national parks including the WWII memorial, temporarily suspending the death benefits for families of fallen soldiers and they even shut down the Amber Alert website which locates missing children.
Trump celebrates Schumer’s move.
President Trump praised Schumer on Truth Social with helping to move the legislative forward for a final vote. He said: “Upon learning about Schumer’s willingness to move the CR legislation ahead, President Trump said on Truth Social, “Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing – Took “guts” and courage! The big Tax Cuts, L.A. fire fix, Debt Ceiling Bill, and so much more, is coming. We should all work together on that very dangerous situation. A non pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights. Again, really good and smart move by Senator Schumer. This could lead to something big for the USA, a whole new direction and beginning!”
As progressives rage and House Democrats scramble to spin the outcome, Peters, with no re- election worries, was able to walk away – leaving others to manage the fallout.
