Murphy says Americans want Democrats to 'take risks right now' to 'save our democracy'

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said on Sunday that Americans want Democrats to “take risks right now” to “save our democracy” after internal party divisions over a funding bill.

“While I totally understand my colleagues who didn't want to catapult us into a shutdown, I actually think that the American people would've understood that Republicans have an obligation to negotiate with Democrats,” Murphy told NBC’s Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press.”

“This is the first full-year spending bill since I've been in Congress that was written only by the Republican Party. So, yes, it would’ve been a risk. I understand the decision that many of my Democratic colleagues made, but I think the American people want us to take risks right now in order to save our democracy,” the Connecticut Democrat added.

On Friday, a small group of Democrats voted to advance a Republican-crafted funding bill despite intense opposition from many in their party. The group included Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who received blowback from prominent progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) after he said he would vote to advance the bill.

“There is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal,” Ocasio-Cortez said Thursday. “And this is not just about progressive Democrats. This is across the board — the entire party.”

President Trump praised the Senate minority leader for his decision Friday on his Truth Social platform.

“Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took ‘guts’ and courage! The big Tax Cuts, L.A. fire fix, Debt Ceiling Bill, and so much more, is coming. We should all work together on that very dangerous situation. A non pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights,” Trump said on the platform.

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