Here's what I sent to each of the 8 (and I also sent an email to Schumer upbraiding him for allowing this to happen and encouraging his resignation from leadership): Sent to every senator, all 8, who voted to end the shutdown: What did you get for this vote to reopen the government? I ask because we the people did not get anything that wasn't already coming to us by law. Seriously, why this and why now? Do you actually believe the administration will live up to the few concessions (which aren't actually concessions, they were already mandated) that you received. Do you think a "vote" on health care is what we all wanted out here in ICE land. If you had clawed back that ICE budget or required warrants and badges and no masks for ICE and any other immigration enforcement, maybe this would be palatable. Instead, it's sickening, nauseating. And none of you are up for reelection or are retiring. Whose idea was this? Such crap.
I don't think that the Shutdown will be ending anytime soon. That would require a corresponding vote in the House, which would require a reopening of the House, which would mean that Johnson would have to swear in Ms. Grijalva, which would likely (although not certainly) lead to a House vote on the resolution to force the release of The Epstein Files, which is the very last thing on Earth that Trump wants. And Johnson does precisely what Trump wants.
We’ll see how that plays out. He’s told House members they should start returning to DC and will have 36 hours notice on a vote when / if it passes the Senate.
I’ve wondered what he will do about swearing in Congresswoman Elect Grijalva. Johnson said voting on this bill would happen quickly. But he has maintained he would seat her as soon as the House held a regular session. I don’t know of a requirement that spells out her being sworn in at a particular time. Relying on the Speaker’s integrity seems dangerous. I wouldn’t put it past him to at least hold the vote first.
The only requirement with a date that I know of each new Congressional Session begins with all elected Representatives taking the oath as a group. That would be in January.
Thank you, Mr. Beschloss. This is such a betrayal. The election results in the midst of the shutdown was a huge message. But, so too, is the No Kings rally. The rallies could have been very dangerous with the brown shirt thugs in the streets. Masses of people took their chances and took to the streets.
Thank you for posting the phone numbers Steve. I live in New Hampshire, so I called the numbers for both Sens. Hassan & Shaheen. I found it interesting that both numbers went straight to voice mail. I left a voice mail for Sen. Hassan expressing my disappointment with her capitulation. The voice mailbox for Sen. Shaheen, however, was full and wouldn't even let me leave a message.
Then WRITE TO THEM, what I always do to flutter boy Fetterman. A disgrace to PA voters who, if he even runs in '28 will be beaten by any dem, maybe even a decent republican if there are any not on their knees to trump. He's worse than McCormack, if that's possible.
I have written to Hassan repeatedly over the years. In return, I get a piece of mail begging for money. Never an answer to my concerns. Same with Rosen and Cortez-Masto.
Hassan and Shaheen voted AYE for Kristi Noem. After that vote, you might as well give up on them. They are 100% Trump sycophants.
I cannot bring myself into affinity with farmers. They voted for Trump. No doubt farmers would be a lot smarter had they gone to Trump University. Let farmers eat soybeans. Soybeans are a great source of protein.
“All of us who are dismayed by the present state of the union, this is no time to give up,” Biden declared. “It’s time to get up. Get up now, get up.”
If you have become overwhelmed, rely on my 2 buckets to sanity. 2 buckets says stay in the fight. We are winning with a year to midterms. If you stay in, we will shut them down.
What an utter disgrace. I could not believe what I was hearing when the news broke yesterday. Are these eight sellouts not aware of the election results from last Tuesday? "Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory" says it all, Steven.
This statement of yours captures my indignation and feelings of deep remorse.
“But in our ongoing struggle to confront a corrupt and criminal regime that relishes cruelty, ignores the needs of everyday Americans and prioritizes the desires of the richest Americans—particularly by endangering the lives of millions who will no longer be able to afford health coverage
—this capitulation is a sad dereliction of duty.”
Emphasis on:
“…But in our ongoing struggle to confront a corrupt and criminal regime that relishes cruelty,…”
Talk about covering your political rear ends. Not one of the Senators who capitulated— and I use that term deliberately,since it’s obvious they received little of substance in exchange for their votes— is facing reelection in 2026. They weren’t risking anything, but rather than advocating for their constituents from their positions of safety, they accepted empty promises.
Yes, Durbin who is the Dems Whip in the Senate (!). He is retiring as is Shaheen. I read the surrender caucus expected more to join them because 10 or 12 had been involved in the talks. I guess some of that group took healthcare more seriously than they did.
-it is time for a Schumer and his Schumer Democrats are with him to be forced to exit the leadership and to bring in a true out position party leadership. Chris Murphy, Ruben Gallego, Chris Van Hollen, all seem up to the task.
-the focus should now be on Grijalva and getting the Epstein files vote before Thanksgiving
-this comes up again in January 30 and with the proper senate leadership it can start all over again but we will have gotten through Thanksgiving, Christmas and a big part of the winter with food for people. We can do this fight again then in January 30 with proper leadership.
Never Gallego. He voted AYE for Ratcliffe (CIA), Bessent (Treasury), Zeldin (EPA), Wright (Energy, Collins (Vet Affairs), Burgum (Interior), Rollins(Agricultrue/SNAP), Duffy(Transportation), and Chaves-DeRemer (Labor - made banner of Trump for front of building). And yet you think he would stick with Democrats? He is a TRUMP supporter.
Here's my comment on another site: "Sen. Angus King: "Standing up to Donald Trump didn't work"" seriously???? Coward ... donald is eating that up.... who butters your bread sir? that was a blatant concession to the fragile ego maniacal stain's power..... you are not working for your constituents, you bow to trump..shame shame shame on all 8 of you ...you all threw your constituents and your performative phoney promises under the bus
This is not a Sad Dereliction of Duty. This is a BETRAYAL by 'centrist' Democrats. Schumer + the Traitor 8.
I live in VA. I have two so-called 'centrist' Senators-- corporate Dems who will not fight and who will not step aside. Warner is up for reelection, so the hammer has to come down on him. And Schumer has got to go! Now!!!
Durbin is retiring — and whips votes for the Dems. That seems an especially low blow because he knew Schumer did not want a deal without healthcare. He won’t even be around to try to replace him.
Those not retiring don’t face re-election until 2028 or 2030. I guess they figured promises were better than nothing if DJT was going to sent out his $2000 checks?
More likely they expect voters to have short memories or think they tried their best. 🙃
After the overwhelming Democrats election win in Virginia, why would Kaine chose the Republican concept? Because he votes Trump 90% of the time. Follow the money!
This isn't a big surprise. What do you do with a president who has absolutely zero plan to negotiate? How long should we have held out? Past Thanksgiving? Idk but so many people were suffering without paychecks. Did we get our point across - that healthcare is about to rocket and it will be the R's fault? Whatever leverage we had was on the backs of the working people - not on the R's in congress. Let's see what happens in the House
After screaming into a pillow, I can now calmly agree that we need to see how it plays out. The House and Trump have to accept the deal. If they do not, they will look even more to blame than they already do. I would not have chosen this strategy--if it is strategy--but here we are, so stay in the present and work out what to do after expressing outrage.
Here's what I sent to each of the 8 (and I also sent an email to Schumer upbraiding him for allowing this to happen and encouraging his resignation from leadership): Sent to every senator, all 8, who voted to end the shutdown: What did you get for this vote to reopen the government? I ask because we the people did not get anything that wasn't already coming to us by law. Seriously, why this and why now? Do you actually believe the administration will live up to the few concessions (which aren't actually concessions, they were already mandated) that you received. Do you think a "vote" on health care is what we all wanted out here in ICE land. If you had clawed back that ICE budget or required warrants and badges and no masks for ICE and any other immigration enforcement, maybe this would be palatable. Instead, it's sickening, nauseating. And none of you are up for reelection or are retiring. Whose idea was this? Such crap.
Thank You Robbie Roberts .. I couldn't have said it better myself.
NO ONE EVER WON ANYTHING BY SURRENDERING!
I don't know if I cried out of anger or sadness. Probably, both.
I don't think that the Shutdown will be ending anytime soon. That would require a corresponding vote in the House, which would require a reopening of the House, which would mean that Johnson would have to swear in Ms. Grijalva, which would likely (although not certainly) lead to a House vote on the resolution to force the release of The Epstein Files, which is the very last thing on Earth that Trump wants. And Johnson does precisely what Trump wants.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you are right.
Thank you, Ma'am. The comment is proving to be popular. We'll see! stevenjonaspolitics.com
We’ll see how that plays out. He’s told House members they should start returning to DC and will have 36 hours notice on a vote when / if it passes the Senate.
I’ve wondered what he will do about swearing in Congresswoman Elect Grijalva. Johnson said voting on this bill would happen quickly. But he has maintained he would seat her as soon as the House held a regular session. I don’t know of a requirement that spells out her being sworn in at a particular time. Relying on the Speaker’s integrity seems dangerous. I wouldn’t put it past him to at least hold the vote first.
The only requirement with a date that I know of each new Congressional Session begins with all elected Representatives taking the oath as a group. That would be in January.
Thank you, Mr. Beschloss. This is such a betrayal. The election results in the midst of the shutdown was a huge message. But, so too, is the No Kings rally. The rallies could have been very dangerous with the brown shirt thugs in the streets. Masses of people took their chances and took to the streets.
Some of the Senators mnailboxes are full. Good. Keep trying. WTF.
Thank you for posting the phone numbers Steve. I live in New Hampshire, so I called the numbers for both Sens. Hassan & Shaheen. I found it interesting that both numbers went straight to voice mail. I left a voice mail for Sen. Hassan expressing my disappointment with her capitulation. The voice mailbox for Sen. Shaheen, however, was full and wouldn't even let me leave a message.
Then WRITE TO THEM, what I always do to flutter boy Fetterman. A disgrace to PA voters who, if he even runs in '28 will be beaten by any dem, maybe even a decent republican if there are any not on their knees to trump. He's worse than McCormack, if that's possible.
I have written to Hassan repeatedly over the years. In return, I get a piece of mail begging for money. Never an answer to my concerns. Same with Rosen and Cortez-Masto.
Hassan and Shaheen voted AYE for Kristi Noem. After that vote, you might as well give up on them. They are 100% Trump sycophants.
I cannot bring myself into affinity with farmers. They voted for Trump. No doubt farmers would be a lot smarter had they gone to Trump University. Let farmers eat soybeans. Soybeans are a great source of protein.
“All of us who are dismayed by the present state of the union, this is no time to give up,” Biden declared. “It’s time to get up. Get up now, get up.”
If you have become overwhelmed, rely on my 2 buckets to sanity. 2 buckets says stay in the fight. We are winning with a year to midterms. If you stay in, we will shut them down.
https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/too-much-two-buckets-to-sanity?r=3m1bs
What an utter disgrace. I could not believe what I was hearing when the news broke yesterday. Are these eight sellouts not aware of the election results from last Tuesday? "Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory" says it all, Steven.
My initial reaction was disbelief.
This statement of yours captures my indignation and feelings of deep remorse.
“But in our ongoing struggle to confront a corrupt and criminal regime that relishes cruelty, ignores the needs of everyday Americans and prioritizes the desires of the richest Americans—particularly by endangering the lives of millions who will no longer be able to afford health coverage
—this capitulation is a sad dereliction of duty.”
Emphasis on:
“…But in our ongoing struggle to confront a corrupt and criminal regime that relishes cruelty,…”
Thank you for the phone numbers
Talk about covering your political rear ends. Not one of the Senators who capitulated— and I use that term deliberately,since it’s obvious they received little of substance in exchange for their votes— is facing reelection in 2026. They weren’t risking anything, but rather than advocating for their constituents from their positions of safety, they accepted empty promises.
Yes, Durbin who is the Dems Whip in the Senate (!). He is retiring as is Shaheen. I read the surrender caucus expected more to join them because 10 or 12 had been involved in the talks. I guess some of that group took healthcare more seriously than they did.
-it is time for a Schumer and his Schumer Democrats are with him to be forced to exit the leadership and to bring in a true out position party leadership. Chris Murphy, Ruben Gallego, Chris Van Hollen, all seem up to the task.
-the focus should now be on Grijalva and getting the Epstein files vote before Thanksgiving
-this comes up again in January 30 and with the proper senate leadership it can start all over again but we will have gotten through Thanksgiving, Christmas and a big part of the winter with food for people. We can do this fight again then in January 30 with proper leadership.
Never Gallego. He voted AYE for Ratcliffe (CIA), Bessent (Treasury), Zeldin (EPA), Wright (Energy, Collins (Vet Affairs), Burgum (Interior), Rollins(Agricultrue/SNAP), Duffy(Transportation), and Chaves-DeRemer (Labor - made banner of Trump for front of building). And yet you think he would stick with Democrats? He is a TRUMP supporter.
Here's my comment on another site: "Sen. Angus King: "Standing up to Donald Trump didn't work"" seriously???? Coward ... donald is eating that up.... who butters your bread sir? that was a blatant concession to the fragile ego maniacal stain's power..... you are not working for your constituents, you bow to trump..shame shame shame on all 8 of you ...you all threw your constituents and your performative phoney promises under the bus
He’s an Independent who has never supported shutdowns. Maine is also the Sen Collins’ state & his son is running for governor. Hmmm.
Follow the Money!
This is not a Sad Dereliction of Duty. This is a BETRAYAL by 'centrist' Democrats. Schumer + the Traitor 8.
I live in VA. I have two so-called 'centrist' Senators-- corporate Dems who will not fight and who will not step aside. Warner is up for reelection, so the hammer has to come down on him. And Schumer has got to go! Now!!!
What is it about New Hampshire and Nevada that both of the senators from each voted for this "deal" to end the shutdown?
Two of the senators who voted for it, Shaheen and Durbin, are retiring after 2026, so why did they choose to vote this way?
I expected no better of Fetterman.
I'm surprised about Kaine, although perhaps it has to do with the number of federal workers who live in Virginia.
I'm always wary of Independents, so Angus King is not much of a surprise.
There is no guarantee that this "deal" will not fall apart. Indeed, I would be surprised if either Trump or Johnson agree to it.
Durbin is retiring — and whips votes for the Dems. That seems an especially low blow because he knew Schumer did not want a deal without healthcare. He won’t even be around to try to replace him.
Those not retiring don’t face re-election until 2028 or 2030. I guess they figured promises were better than nothing if DJT was going to sent out his $2000 checks?
More likely they expect voters to have short memories or think they tried their best. 🙃
After the overwhelming Democrats election win in Virginia, why would Kaine chose the Republican concept? Because he votes Trump 90% of the time. Follow the money!
90%? Would you give some data to support that assertion?
This isn't a big surprise. What do you do with a president who has absolutely zero plan to negotiate? How long should we have held out? Past Thanksgiving? Idk but so many people were suffering without paychecks. Did we get our point across - that healthcare is about to rocket and it will be the R's fault? Whatever leverage we had was on the backs of the working people - not on the R's in congress. Let's see what happens in the House
After screaming into a pillow, I can now calmly agree that we need to see how it plays out. The House and Trump have to accept the deal. If they do not, they will look even more to blame than they already do. I would not have chosen this strategy--if it is strategy--but here we are, so stay in the present and work out what to do after expressing outrage.