Schumer and McConnell Find Surprising Bipartisan Cooperation on Major Issues Despite Broader Partisan Divides
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Schumer and McConnell have found surprising unity on major issues like Ukraine aid, Israel policy, immigration, and keeping the government open despite broader partisan divides.
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Their cooperation is partly necessity in a 50-50 Senate, but also reflects unusual policy alignment as the parties evolve, shared institutionalism, and a lack of bipartisan goodwill overall.
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The two leaders collaborate on big deals but aren't personally close and still bitterly disagree on many partisan issues like abortion.
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Senators say communication between Schumer and McConnell has increased recently around shared priorities like defense funding.
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Some senators welcome the bipartisan cooperation from leadership, but their alignment also draws suspicion from party activists.