Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is under fire from members of his own party after backing a Republican-led government funding bill. The decision has sparked outrage among House Democrats, who had previously rejected the measure and expected Senate Democrats to stand firm.

Schumer defended his position, arguing that while the legislation had significant flaws, avoiding a government shutdown was the priority. He claimed that allowing the shutdown to happen would hand former President Donald Trump and his allies too much control over federal operations.

The reaction among House Democrats was immediate and intense. Internal party messaging channels erupted with frustration, with one lawmaker describing the situation as a “full-blown meltdown.” Some members are now considering backing primary challengers against Senate Democrats who support the bill.

At a House Democratic retreat Thursday, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) praised his caucus for standing strong against the bill. However, when he mentioned Senate Democrats, members responded with loud boos, exposing the growing divide between the two chambers.

Schumer made headlines later that evening during an MSNBC interview when he referred to Republicans as “bastards” before quickly correcting himself. He also accused Trump and billionaire Elon Musk of using the shutdown threat to justify slashing federal jobs and government programs.

Trump, on the other hand, praised Schumer’s decision, calling it the “right move” and applauding his willingness to break ranks with his party. With Republicans holding a narrow 53-47 majority in the Senate, at least eight Democrats will need to support the bill for it to pass before the midnight deadline.

As House Democrats scramble to push back against the measure, some lawmakers have vowed to personally fund primary challenges against Senate Democrats who vote in favor of the bill.