Democrats must realize that effective messaging is crucial – especially with the threat of another government shutdown looming and no unified message on their priorities. As the minority party, opportunities to shape legislation are limited. Democrats should clearly state the criteria they require before supporting any budget bill, even if it means risking a shutdown. Ultimately, passage hinges on the Senate, where the 60-vote threshold makes bipartisan support necessary due to the filibuster. House Democrats should synchronize with Senate priorities, recognizing that Republicans currently hold the majority in the House.
Senator Schumer and the Senate Democrats have no list of demands to support a budget continuing resolution (CR). Schumer has made general speeches highlighting:
- Deep cuts to healthcare, education, and essential social programs. ⓵
- Rollbacks of previous bipartisan agreements on spending levels. ⓶
- Gimmicks like a rescissions package, which could later strip out funding negotiated in good faith. ⓷
Recent political polls show that many US voters are not fully aware of the specifics of Democratic support for “protecting key domestic programs,” blocking deep cuts to social services, or ensuring bipartisan dealmaking. In fact, nearly half of Americans report hearing little or nothing about major budget bills or the Democratic position on them. ⓸
With the September 30th deadline fast approaching, there is limited time for Senator Schumer must develop a clear, concise message. Democrats need to adopt the same message, and repeat it over and over again. Below are our suggestions for what Democrats should demand in order for support for a budget resolution, along with an explanation of each one that could be used with the slogan.
Slogan: Congress makes laws, not the President
Under the Constitution, only Congress can pass laws and determine how federal funds are spent. The President must carry out those laws and cannot refuse to implement Congressional appropriations without new legislation. Any deal should protect Congress’s power to decide how taxpayer money is used, preventing the executive branch from ignoring or undoing these decisions without approval from lawmakers. ⓹
Slogan: Protect Health. Save Rural Hospitals
Congress must reverse proposed Medicaid cuts to prevent millions of Americans—many in rural areas—from losing their health insurance. Without action, rural hospitals will lose critical funding, putting lifesaving care further out of reach and risking closure for hospitals that communities rely on most. Protecting Medicaid isn’t just about coverage—it’s about safeguarding rural health care, jobs, and even lives. ⓺
Slogan: Stop ICE Brutality! It could happen to you!
To protect everyone’s rights, Congress must require the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to end secret operations, refuse deportations to unsafe third countries, and ensure that all personnel are clearly identified. Immediate, open access to detention facilities and accurate public reporting on who is detained are essential to prevent abuse and maintain trust. Harsh, unaccountable tactics threaten American values and put entire communities at risk—these safeguards protect all of us from government overreach. ⓻
Slogan: Stand with Ukraine, Sanction Russia
The U.S. must back Ukraine’s fight for freedom by intensifying sanctions on Russia. This policy shows America’s commitment to democracy and sends a strong message against authoritarianism from Russia and China.
Slogan: Ethics for Everyone, Including Leaders
No one in government—including Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court—is above the law. They must adhere to the same ethical standards as everyday Americans, including prohibitions on insider trading and conflicts of interest. Public trust demands transparency and accountability from all branches of government. ⓼
Slogan: Back Local Police
Democrats support funding 100,000 police like President Clinton’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program (only 75,000 officers were hired through this program. ⓽ Democrats would be using political Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) on the Republican’s use of force in Democratic cities. Since local law enforcement is much more effective than Federal law enforcement on local crime, the Republicans would have a hard time justifying the invasion of blue cities. A verbal addition could be included saying the Republicans are “defunding” the police through their draconian budget cuts.
These “demands” should be explained through the lens of bipartisanship. Democrats are ready to negotiate to make America a better, safer place to live.
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Footnotes
⓵ https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5279546-trump-budget-cuts-schumer/
⓶ https://san.com/cc/how-trumps-new-budget-cuts-could-endanger-the-2026-federal-budget/
⓷ https://www.newsweek.com/chuck-schumer-government-funding-test-democratic-fury-2121777
⓸ https://priorities.org/news-and-press/media-challenges-for-dems-gop-budget-bill/
⓹ https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/article-1/section-7/clause-2/the-veto-power
⓻ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11250890/
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