Baraka says Schumer should ‘step aside’ amid budget vote controversy

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to ‘step aside’ after the New Yorker announced he would vote to support a GOP-authored government spending bill. 

Democrats, including Schumer, have major issues with the resolution, particularly its lack of limits on President Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s ability to shift or cancel federal funds. Both of New Jersey’s senators said they would rather see the government temporarily shut down than support what Senator Andy Kim called an “overreach of power.”

Schumer’s decision to support the bill has sparked outrage from many Democrats, including Baraka, who is running a progressive campaign for mayor.

“We need leadership that refuses to meet extremism with moderation,” Baraka said in a release. “If Republicans want this horrific stopgap bill, do not give them cover, hold the line, and remind the American people that Democrats are the party that fights for them — not the party that surrenders.”

Republicans need the support of some Democrats to reach the 60-vote filibuster threshold. If the vote fails, the government will likely shut down.

Schumer said he believes a government shutdown would be worse for the country than the continuing resolution. 

Baraka said voting for the resolution allows the Trump administration to continue “unchecked.”

“Leader Schumer, this is not the time for half-measures,” Baraka said. “We cannot keep bringing a squirt gun to a forest fire. The stakes are too high.”