Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says his vision for the future of the GOP is “remarkably similar” to Mitch McConnell’s, according to Politico.
Schumer has expressed interest in working with a GOP controlled house on bipartisan deals in the next Congress, according to Politico. He believes Democrats should “roll up [their] sleeves and try to get things done” even if it means compromising with Republicans. Republicans have worked with Democrats on legislation ranging from infrastructure funding to gun reform in the current Congress. (RELATED: Elise Stefanik Secures Second Term As GOP Conference Chair)
Schumer says what he and McConnell have said about the future of the Republican Party is “remarkably similar”
— Marianne LeVine (@marianne_levine) November 16, 2022
Schumer’s statement comes as the Democrats seek GOP cooperation on the Respect For Marriage Act, which would codify gay marriage. Schumer tweeted yesterday that the Senate is “moving forward” with the bill, which Democrats are hoping to pass with a filibuster-proof majority. The bill needs support from ten Republican senators to pass without opposition.
GOP support for the measure is growing. Senator Mitt Romney of Utah has signaled support after the Mormon Church endorsed the legislation, Politico reported. Romney told Politico he would support the bill if it includes religious liberty protections. Republican Senators Collins of Maine and Thillis of North Carolina are part of a bipartisan group that believes it has enough support for the measure to pass, CNN reported.
McConnell meanwhile he is facing a leadership challenge from GOP Sen. Rick Scott of Florida. The latter has called for a “bold conservative agenda” and for Republicans to “get serious” about inflation and government oversight.
Scott is facing fresh scrutiny for his chairmanship of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the spending decisions made under his leadership. GOP Senators Thillis and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee are now calling for the committee to be audited, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Republicans were widely projected to recapture control of the senate before an underwhelming midterm performance enabled Democrats to maintain control of the chamber.