Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York found himself admonished by the chamber's presiding chair after delivering a scathing critique of his Republican colleagues.
Schumer accused them of endorsing a bill he claimed would "devastate" their states, while lacking the "backbone to speak the truth" about its detrimental effects on their constituents.
"Our colleagues on the Republican side lack the courage of their convictions to do the right thing for the American people. Its outrageous," Schumer declared passionately on the Senate floor.
As reported by The Hill, Schumer's remarks came during a session preceding the Senate's vote-a-rama, a marathon of amendment votes concerning President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which would eventually lead to a final vote on the legislation. Schumer specifically highlighted Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had expressed concerns about the bill's potential to slash nearly $40 billion in federal Medicaid funding for his state, calling him "one of the few truth-tellers on the other side."
The Democratic leader further accused Republicans of engaging in unprecedented tactics within the Senate, alleging they were using "fake math and budgetary hocus-pocus" to disguise the true cost of what he termed "billionaire giveaways."
However, Schumer's pointed remarks were interrupted by Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, who was presiding over the session. Moreno invoked Rule 19, which prohibits senators from attributing unworthy conduct or motives to their colleagues and from speaking offensively about any U.S. state.
The unfolding drama in the Senate underscores the deep divisions between the parties, with Schumer's fiery rhetoric highlighting the stakes involved in the legislative process. As the debate continues, questions remain about the potential impact of the proposed bill on states and the broader American populace.
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