Mr. McConnell cut out Democrats on Day 1 of this Congress, using every method to bypass them on deregulation votes, cabinet confirmations, a tax overhaul and health care policy. So Mr. Schumer turned to an opposition agenda, doing everything within his limited powers to slow, block or obviate Mr. Trump’s agenda. “There were no conversations with Harry.”It was not an article of faith that Mr. Schumer could do what he has done. Mr. Schumer has repeatedly told Mr. McConnell that Democrats would ease up on their obstruction once health care was behind them. “She would not commit to spending money on transportation,” Mr. Schumer said, even though most other Democrats gave her the nod.

Source: New York Times July 29, 2017 17:39 UTC