Senate Democrats struggle with minority power limitations

Senate Democrats faced challenges after a difficult 10-week period, culminating in a contentious vote on a Republican spending bill. Many Democrats felt torn between supporting the bill or risking a government shutdown, leading to internal conflict. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's decision to back the spending measure drew criticism from party members and activists. This marked a shift from previous unity during Trump's first term, as Democrats struggled to counter the Republican agenda. The situation worsened with retirements of key Democratic senators in swing states, raising concerns for future elections. Despite setbacks, some Democrats believe they can regain political ground by focusing on economic issues and criticizing Trump’s policies.