Democrats Express Outrage Over DOGE, Ukraine, and More in a Heated Senate Marathon

In Washington, D.C., Senate discussions turned heated late into the night over a budget resolution put forth by Republican lawmakers. Democrats seized the opportunity to voice their concerns about President Trump’s early actions in office and the implications of his proposed policies.

The night was filled with debate on various issues, from workforce cuts proposed by Trump’s advisor Elon Musk to his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Senators scrutinized the GOP’s plan to extend tax breaks for the wealthy while suggesting cuts to safety net programs. The focus extended far beyond the $340 billion budget aimed at border security and deportations.

Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, expressed frustration, stating, “People don’t send us here to make their lives worse. But that’s exactly what Trump and Musk are doing.” She argued that the proposed budget would only exacerbate existing challenges faced by Americans.

Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, a leading voice on the Budget Committee, introduced the term “Trumpflation” and questioned what the administration’s budget plan would actually do to help the average American. He critically suggested tossing the proposal “in the ‘woodchipper’,” reflecting on Musk’s comments regarding government cuts. “There’s nothing ‘beautiful’ about destroying programs families depend on,” he emphasized.

During the lengthy session, Democrats offered a flurry of amendments related to vital issues. These included measures to reinstate federal employees from various agencies and maintain funding for programs combatting illnesses like avian flu, especially during a time when egg prices are rising. They also sought to ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. However, none of the amendments passed.

Despite the focus on many pressing topics, conversations tended to avoid Trump’s immigration plans, which remain divisive among Democrats and complicate their strategy after a challenging election season. The Republican-led budget resolution eventually passed with a narrow 52-48 vote, supported by all Republican senators except for Rand Paul of Kentucky.

The resolution now requires alignment with a House proposal, where Speaker Mike Johnson is working on Trump’s budget that includes significant tax breaks and planned spending cuts. Early in the morning, a suggested amendment aimed at preventing unvetted government workers from accessing personal data met with strong opposition from Republicans.

In the debate, many amendments aimed at limiting tax breaks for the wealthy were also rejected. Notably, Sen. Elizabeth Warren sought to block tax benefits for individuals making over $10 million, while Sen. Mark Kelly attempted to set that cap at $100 million, both of which were turned down.

Republican Sen. John Kennedy humorously likened the debate to “professional wrestling” and criticized Democrats for veering off-topic, reiterating that the bill’s focus was on border security and would not delve into tax discussions just yet.

Sen. Bernie Sanders weighed in with his proposals for enhancing Social Security and expanding Medicare to cover essential services for seniors. He voiced strong disapproval of Trump’s claims about Ukraine instigating the war, insisting that the narrative misrepresents the reality of Russia’s actions. “That is, as I hope every member of the Senate knows, an absolute lie,” he stated, calling for accountability among senators.

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