by WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is ramping up a coordinated Democratic offensive to derail what he’s calling President Donald Trump’s “One Ugly Bill” — a sweeping GOP-backed budget and policy package being fast-tracked through Congress with little bipartisan input.
In a strategic memo sent Sunday to Senate Democrats, Schumer outlined a pointed plan to make the Republican-led budget reconciliation process as politically painful as possible, describing the legislation as a reckless “assault on working families.”
“We must be united with our House Democratic colleagues to fight this assault on working families,” Schumer wrote, calling on his caucus to aggressively resist what he views as a partisan power grab.
Inside the “Ugly” Bill: Cuts, Overhauls, and GOP Wish Lists
Republicans are pushing the bill through the budget reconciliation process — a legislative maneuver that allows them to bypass the 60-vote filibuster threshold in the Senate. The package is massive, covering everything from permanent Trump-era tax cuts and immigration rollbacks to deep spending cuts and energy policy overhauls.
Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD) has said the GOP’s top priority is locking in permanent tax relief before year’s end.
“We’re not going to let these tax cuts expire,” Thune said. “This will be our biggest focus heading into the Fourth of July recess.”
Yet, the GOP is facing internal rifts. While House Republicans aim for $1.5 trillion in cuts over the next decade, some Senate conservatives are pushing for even steeper reductions—up to $2 trillion or more. Debate over Medicaid cuts and plans to phase out green energy tax credits has already sparked tension among Republican ranks.
House and Senate Dems Coordinate Cross-Chamber Resistance
Schumer is working hand-in-hand with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and senior House committee Democrats to identify weak points in the Republican coalition and ensure maximum public exposure of the bill’s most controversial provisions.
He’s urging Senate Democrats to amplify opposition at the local level.
“If the American people truly knew how deeply devastating, damaging, and deceitful this Republican plan is, they would reject it,” Schumer warned. “It’s our duty to make sure they hear the truth.”
Ten Senate committees are currently combing through the bill’s details, with Democrats reportedly working “overtime” to challenge sections that violate Senate reconciliation rules or threaten democratic norms.
A Call to Arms: “Stop the Damage”
As the fight intensifies, Schumer’s message is clear: this is not just about policy—it’s about protecting American values.
“Republicans’ ‘One Ugly Bill’ is a farce,” he wrote. “It’s an attack on the values that make America great. The first four months of Donald Trump’s presidency have been catastrophic. We must fight back—and hold Republicans accountable.”
What’s Next?
The Senate is now entering a feverish month-long sprint. GOP leaders want the final bill on Trump’s desk before Independence Day, but Democrats are betting public pressure—and procedural pushback—can slow or even halt its momentum.
