The March 14th Betrayal: When Democrats Lost Their Way

As an educator, union leader, and Democratic Party official in Clallam County, I was profoundly disturbed by the events of March 14th, 2025. The United States Senate passed a deeply troubling Continuing Resolution (CR) with the support of ten Democratic senators siding with the Republican Party. These senators include:

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (New York)

• Senator Dick Durbin (Illinois)

• Senator Angus King (Maine) (Independent who caucuses with Democrats)

• Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada)

• Senator John Fetterman (Pennsylvania)

• Senator Gary Peters (Michigan)

• Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (New York)

• Senator Brian Schatz (Hawaii)

• Senator Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire)

• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire)

This vote represents not only a policy failure but a betrayal of the core values and principles that define our Democratic Party.

National Perspective: The senators who supported the CR have argued that their vote was necessary to avoid a government shutdown, citing concerns over immediate economic disruptions and national stability. However, critical analysis reveals that this reasoning overlooks the CR's significant cuts to essential social programs, public education, healthcare, labor protections, and environmental regulations. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has publicly criticized these senators, especially Chuck Schumer, emphasizing that their support for this bill compromises Democratic principles and undermines progressive policy objectives.

At a time when we need unity and progressive leadership, this division within the party sends a disturbing signal to voters nationwide, undermining our collective efforts to advocate for working families, educators, students, and vulnerable communities.

Washington State Impact: In Washington State, the impact of this CR will be profoundly felt. Educational funding faces severe threats, putting essential programs and initiatives in jeopardy. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal voiced deep concerns about these cuts, emphasizing they could "reverse the progress we've made in closing opportunity gaps for our students."

Additionally, tens of thousands of federal workers living in our communities face potential furloughs and financial instability. Governor Bob Ferguson warned, "Our federal workforce is integral to the functioning of our state's economy and public services. These potential cuts are deeply concerning."

Senator Maria Cantwell highlighted the devastating implications, stating, "This bill endangers the health of Americans, jeopardizes the State of Washington's maritime economy by slashing the Army Corps of Engineers, and impacts our farmers by cutting $57 million from USDA's important agriculture research facilities."

I personally attended U.S. Congresswoman Emily Randall's Town Hall meeting in Port Angeles on March 15th, 2025. Congresswoman Randall detailed troubling consequences for tens of thousands of federal employees, emphasizing that grants secured by former Congressman Derek Kilmer are frozen and unpaid due to Congress's inability to pass a proper 2025 budget. She also echoed widespread frustration and disappointment among House Democrats over the Senate's actions on March 14th.

Senator Patty Murray expressed her strong opposition, stating, "I voted NO on House Republicans' slush funds bill—cloture, final passage, all of it—but it just passed. To my constituents, your voice matters. Keep speaking out. We stand strong, and we do NOT stand down."

Local Port Angeles Impact: In Port Angeles, the effects of this CR will resonate deeply. Olympic National Park faces critical staffing reductions affecting maintenance and visitor services. These layoffs threaten the economic stability and preservation efforts within our community. Furthermore, cuts to Medicaid will impact Olympic Medical Center, which is already struggling financially. These Medicaid cuts threaten to shudder its doors and force residents in Port Angeles and its surrounding areas to have to travel over 90 minutes to get urgent, emergency care and access primary health care and specialist services.

Numerous local projects and grants are on hold due to the federal funding freeze, including infrastructure upgrades, electric vehicle charging stations, pedestrian safety improvements, and crucial public safety equipment (Peninsula Daily News). Hazel Galloway, a recently laid-off specialist with the National Park Service, expressed concerns, stating reductions create "a very uncertain future for our national parks" (Peninsula Daily News).

Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell's votes against this CR clearly demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting Washingtonians and Americans nationwide from harmful policy decisions.

Call for Leadership Change: The failure of leadership on March 14th cannot be ignored. It is time for Senator Chuck Schumer to step down as Senate Minority Leader. Under his watch, too many critical moments have been mishandled, and this latest event underscores the urgent need for leadership that fully aligns with Democratic values and advocates vigorously for all Americans.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has publicly called for Democrats to challenge Schumer in the 2028 primary, reflecting broader dissatisfaction within the party. In my view, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would be an excellent candidate to challenge Schumer in 2028, offering fresh leadership and a stronger commitment to progressive values.

Conclusion and Call to Action: I urge every reader, Democrat or otherwise, to contact your senators and demand accountability. Advocate for new leadership that will prioritize progressive policy, workers' rights, educational funding, and environmental protections. Let's engage actively in local politics, support principled leadership, and ensure our voices are heard loud and clear in the coming elections.

Please feel free to comment below with your experiences, insights, or topics you'd like to see addressed in future posts.