Representative Ro Khanna, a progressive figure and potential candidate for the 2028 election, has publicly urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign. This demand follows a budget agreement reached between Senate Democrats and Republicans, which Khanna argues fails to reinstate enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). He described the deal as a "moral surrender," asserting that if restoring these subsidies was not feasible, they should not have been included in the strategy to avert a government shutdown. Khanna expressed disappointment that this agreement was made shortly after Democrats secured significant electoral victories across the country. He suggested Senator Chris Van Hollen as a possible successor to Schumer.

In a related development, Senator John Fetterman has faced criticism from fellow Democrats and constituents for his vote to end a government shutdown. This decision has been perceived as a betrayal by some within his party, particularly regarding its implications for healthcare access. On November 10, 2025, Fetterman publicly supported the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh on social media, celebrating their labor union achievements. However, the guild pointed out a contradiction between his public advocacy for labor rights and his recent congressional actions, stating, "You just voted to take health care away from thousands of people, many of whom you know will die as a result." They further emphasized that he appears to align more closely with corporate interests than with the union members he publicly supports.

Fetterman was among eight members of Congress who voted against the majority of his party to restart federal funding, which included provisions for back pay to furloughed workers. This decision has been characterized as a significant setback for Democratic efforts to safeguard healthcare benefits, particularly as the expiration of Affordable Care Act credits is anticipated to result in increased premiums for millions of Americans. The backlash from the Newspaper Guild and other supporters highlights broader concerns regarding the impact of political decisions on vulnerable populations, especially in the context of healthcare access and labor rights. As the political landscape shifts, the ramifications of such votes continue to resonate within the Democratic Party and among constituents.