“Judges above all”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is New York’s longest-serving Senator and has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since January 2017, when Trump took office. Before becoming a senator in 1999, Schumer served nine terms in the House of Representatives. Given his vast experience and proven political acumen, Schumer’s insight is informed and valuable, and it therefore demands our attention.
In a recent interview on Morning Joe, Schumer stressed the contrast between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. When the Democrats were in charge of both the House and Senate, Congress passed “record amounts of legislation” addressing key issues surrounding gun safety, veterans, the environment, prescription drugs, and jobs. Schumer also pointed out that all but one of the eight major bills they passed were bipartisan.
Schumer admitted that getting major legislation to President Biden’s desk is difficult now because of the “craziness” in the House and Kevin McCarthy’s “bowing in obeisance.” However, he is optimistic about getting new bipartisan proposals passed in the Senate, which he believes will then “put pressure on the House.”
Indeed, in a new interview this week with Politico, Schumer announced he is planning to “pivot into bipartisan policymaking mode” with an “enterprising agenda.” Sen. Debbie Stabenow predicted that new legislation regarding farming, aviation, and China, would be the “most likely” to pass.
Schumer also pledged to focus on “judges above all” in the 18 months that remain of the 118th Congress. Indeed, thanks to Schumer’s leadership, Democrats just reached a milestone, having approved the 100th nominee for District Court Judge since Biden took office. Schumer’s achievements are the result of talent, passion, and perseverance, and his insight inspires hope while our democracy hangs in the balance.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month