Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said he thinks Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is united with fellow Democrats on the need to be “more aggressive” following intense backlash from within his party after Schumer supported a GOP continuing resolution to keep the government open.
In an interview on SiriusXM’s “Mornings with Zerlina,” Blumenthal said he thinks Schumer “recognizes” the concerns of the party and will take a stronger approach to countering Republican efforts in the future.
“I think that we’ve all learned something from the continuing resolution controversy,” Blumenthal said. “I voted against the continuing resolution. I felt strongly that we should stand firmly against the administration, take a stand. And obviously Senator Schumer voted the other way.”
“But I think we are now going through a renewal, call it a renewal of vigor and determination, led by Senator Schumer, who recognizes that we need stronger tactics and strategy,” Blumenthal continued.
“And I hope that change in determination will become more evident as we go forward,” he added.
Blumenthal’s remarks came in response to a question about whether Democrats will press forward with calls for an investigation into the Signal leak, even if Republicans abandon what are now largely bipartisan efforts.
Blumenthal said he is confident Schumer can lead the caucus on those efforts.
“To answer your question very simply, I think we’re unified as a caucus that we need much more aggressive tactics and strategy,” Blumenthal said.
When asked about some members of the party expressing dissatisfaction with Schumer and calling for him to step aside from his leadership role, Blumenthal said he thinks “almost everyone” supports Schumer staying in his post.
“At this point, I think the vast majority of the caucus, I think almost everyone, supports his continuing. And we need as a whole, as a group, every one of us, to feel that sense of urgency. It is an urgent, really desperate time for our democracy,” Blumenthal said.
The Hill has reached out to Schumer’s team for comment.
