Chuck Schumer invokes Epstein firestorm as he rips GOP leadership for shutdown

WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer seized on the controversy surrounding the Epstein files to criticize GOP leaders over the ongoing government shutdown.

The New York Democrat slammed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for being insincere in his negotiations regarding Obamacare subsidies, especially after Democrats lifted their blockade on a bipartisan bill aimed at resolving the current partial shutdown.

Schumer (D-NY) deemed Johnson’s proposal “not serious,” accusing him of delaying the House’s session to avoid addressing the release of documents linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“Look, Johnson’s not serious about negotiations. He sent all his members home last week and again this week,” Schumer stated during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “How can you negotiate like that?”

“The reason he sent them home is that he’s more concerned with covering up the Epstein documents than with addressing the healthcare crisis facing the American people,” Schumer remarked.

“We’ve been attempting for months to engage in a serious dialogue regarding America’s healthcare challenges, but they have consistently refused,” he continued.

During the government shutdown, Johnson has kept the House adjourned as a strategic maneuver.

Recently, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR) to maintain government funding until November 21, allowing time for further development of a bipartisan appropriations framework to sustain government operations for the entire fiscal year.

However, the CR has not progressed through the Senate due to Democrats’ refusal to waive the filibuster, which requires 60 votes for passage.

This “clean” CR has received support from up to 55 senators at various stages. Republicans currently hold a 53-seat majority in the Senate.

While the Senate was active for most of last week and will continue to be in session this week, Johnson has kept the House away to convey the message that Republicans will only accept a “clean” CR, reminiscent of previous demands by Democrats during past shutdowns.

Democrats are insisting on the repeal of Medicaid reforms enacted earlier this year through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (now the Working Families Tax Cut Act) and the extension of enhanced Obamacare subsidies that are due to expire at year’s end.

Johnson, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), has expressed a willingness to engage in bipartisan discussions regarding the Obamacare subsidies, but insists that such talks be separated from the current budget impasse.

“There are numerous important issues to consider, and we’re prepared to negotiate, but they’re creating distractions right now,” Johnson remarked on “Face the Nation” about the Obamacare situation.

“Reforms are necessary regarding that subsidy, as there is considerable fraud, waste, and abuse involved,” he continued. “We’re not opposed to negotiations; we just need Congress to resume operations.”

Johnson noted that he hasn’t firmly established a position regarding the potential extension of the enhanced Obamacare subsidies, which were implemented during the Biden administration as part of the COVID-19 response. However, he emphasized the need for reforming the program.

The groundwork for bipartisan negotiations concerning the Obamacare subsidies has been laid even before the shutdown clash developed.

The government has been in shutdown mode since last Wednesday, marking the first federal closure since early 2019.

This latest partial government shutdown, which lasted 35 days from December 2018 into early 2019, saw President Trump demand $5.7 billion for border security while rejecting a “clean” CR for weeks.

At that time, Democrats accused him of holding the government “hostage” with his demands while insisting on a “clean” CR. Now, the healthcare demands made by Democrats could result in costs approaching $1.5 trillion over a decade, as per GOP estimates.

Meanwhile, lawmakers claim to have secured enough signatures to compel a House vote on a bill aimed at mandating the release of Epstein-related files once the House reconvenes.