Schumer: Bipartisan Budget Bill Is 'Breakthrough' A leading Senate Democrat says its "safe to say" a compromise budget bill avoiding a government shutdown will pass the Senate this week. New York's Chuck Schumer says he believes most members of his party will back the $85 billion legislation and at least four Republicans will join them on passage. Supporters say they want to get it to President Barack Obama's desk before lawmakers break for the holidays. Schumer tells MSNBC Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky won't let the legislation "go down." Schumer acknowledges Democrats are disappointed there's no extension of unemployment benefits, but says that will likely be taken up in a separate bill. He calls the House bill "a breakthrough" in the gridlock that has limited much of Congress's legislative acumen in recent years.