When Power Abandons the People, the People Rise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michelle Fowle, Co-Founder, Cambridge Indivisible

Email: info@cambridgeindivisible.org Phone: (410) 571-4862‬

CAMBRIDGE, MD — November 10, 2025 - Yesterday, Senate Democratic leadership — led by Senator Chuck Schumer — betrayed the very people they claim to represent.

By voting to end the shutdown without a single binding commitment from Republicans, the Senate Democratic caucus handed away the only leverage they had to protect families, workers, and communities already suffering under this cruel, manufactured crisis.

Schumer may have voted no in a cynical attempt to save face, but make no mistake: he signed off on this deal. He orchestrated the collapse and now hides behind a symbolic vote. That’s not leadership — that’s cowardice.

While millions went hungry, paychecks froze, and federal workers were forced into desperation, the Democratic establishment blinked. They chose the path of least resistance — and left working people holding the bag.

This wasn’t a compromise.

It was a capitulation.

And the damage done today will echo far beyond Washington.

Let’s be clear:

- Chuck Schumer has lost the moral authority to lead the Senate Democratic caucus. He should resign.

- Every Democrat who voted yes on this bill — Senator Dick Durbin (IL), Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), Sen. Jacky Rosen (NV), @John Fetterman (PA), Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (VA), and Angus King (ME) — abandoned the people who depend on them most. Workers, parents, veterans, and low-income families cannot survive on symbolic gestures.

Their own words tell the story:

- Jeanne Shaheen called it “the only deal on the table.”

- Tim Kaine said, “SNAP recipients were suffering, and there was no guarantee we would ever get to an ACA solution.”

- Angus King claimed there was “zero chance of dealing with the ACA issue as long as the shutdown continued.”

But that’s the point: you don’t end a hostage situation by rewarding the hostage-takers. These senators accepted a deal with no guarantees — just vague promises and photo ops — while millions lost food aid, health coverage, and pay.

But this party is not a monolith.

There are Democrats who still carry the heartbeat of the movement — who remember who they’re fighting for and refuse to trade conscience for comfort. They held the line while others folded, and they remind us what courage in public service looks like. A special shoutout to Senator Van Hollen and Senator Alsobrooks for standing strong. We are proud of you.

We thank them.

We see them.

And we stand with them.

The rest? No amount of explaining can defend the indefensible.

Because when leadership chooses convenience over courage, the people will lead.

Cambridge Indivisible stands with every worker, family, and neighbor who knows this truth: we don’t win by surrendering — we win by standing together.

We will not forget this vote.

We will not normalize betrayal dressed up as bipartisanship.

We will not stop fighting for a government that puts people first.

Rooted in History. Rising for Justice.

Michelle & Andy Fowle

Cambridge Indivisible

About Cambridge Indivisible
Cambridge Indivisible is a grassroots organization based in Cambridge, Maryland, working to build community power and defend democracy through civic engagement, mutual aid, and local action.

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