Schumer Retreats on Shutdown Threat, Enhancing Bill’s Prospects

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had two choices as the clock ticked down to the government funding deadline: drop his threat to block the Republican bill or force a disruptive March 15 shutdown.

The New York lawmaker ultimately opted for the path of least resistance Thursday after a day of contentious meetings among minority Democrats, who had hoped to use their limited leverage on a spending package to include some restraints on Elon Musk’s DOGE’s cost-cutting crusade.

The political maneuvering took place as markets, spooked over President Donald Trump’s tariff campaign, have been in headlong retreat. The S&P ...