Pass the Torch, a grassroots Democratic group that called for Biden to step out of the 2024 presidential race, is now calling for Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to resign as the Senate minority leader.
The group is part of a chorus of anger within the Democratic party after Schumer said he would vote with Republican senators to advance the House GOP’s spending bill, which includes various provisions Democrats oppose.
“Chuck Schumer is unwilling and unable to meet the moment,” Pass the Torch said in a statement Friday. “His sole job is to fight MAGA’s fascist takeover of our democracy — instead, he’s directly enabling it. Americans desperately need a real opposition party to stand up to Trump.”
“It’s clear that will not happen as long as Schumer remains in charge of Senate Democrats. It’s time to ‘chuck’ Schumer out,” it added.
The group said the Senate minority leader should resign “to make way for leaders who will actually fight for the American people.”
In July of last year, “Pass the Torch, Joe,” was formed to circulate a petition among Democratic voters that urged then-President Biden to step aside from the 2024 race.
On Thursday, Schumer announced on the Senate floor that he would vote to advance a House Republican-drafted six-month government funding bill.
Schumer faced immediate and angry responses, as many Democrats were gearing up for a fight against the bill.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) slammed Chummer for saying he would vote to advance the House-passed bill to avert a government shutdown, which was largely opposed by Democrats in the lower chamber.
“There is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal,” Ocasio-Cortez told reporters on Thursday, referring to Schumer’s decision. “And this is not just about progressive Democrats, This is across the board — the entire party.”
Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also spoke out against the House proposal, which seeks to reduce funding for nondefense programs and would allow Trump to more freely reallocate funds in pursuing his agenda.