Khanna explains why he wants Schumer replaced over shutdown deal: "He's not rising to the challenge"

Washington — Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after some Senate Democrats made an agreement with Republicans to end the government shutdown and urged Schumer to give up his leadership role.

"He leads the Senate. This deal wouldn't have happened without his approval. Don't just take my word for it. Listen to other senators who say they kept Sen. Schumer informed throughout," Khanna said in an interview with CBS News' "The Takeout," which will air on CBS News 24/7 at 5 p.m. on Monday.

He added: "Look, I've collaborated with Sen. Schumer. He did a great job on the CHIPS Act, the [Inflation Reduction Act], and infrastructure. But it's time for someone new to take his place. He's not rising to the challenge. He's disconnected from the party's core supporters."

Khanna began to question the New York Democrat's leadership ability on Sunday night after eight Democrats voted with Republicans to advance a short-term funding measure. In a post on X, Khanna said Schumer "should be replaced" and had "no more effectiveness."

"If you can't lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from rising for Americans, what will you fight for?" he asked.

Schumer faces criticism from both progressives and moderate Democrats for failing to keep the caucus united in the shutdown fight as they tried to get concessions from Republicans on the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits. The deal promises a vote on a Democratic health care bill, but doesn't guarantee an outcome.

Schumer didn't back the government funding bill's progress on Sunday. Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin said Schumer didn't give the deal his approval or disapproval and let senators decide their own votes.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, stood up for his Senate colleague on Monday. When asked by reporters if Schumer did a good job as leader and should keep his position, Jeffries said "yes and yes."

"Most Senate Democrats, with Chuck Schumer at the helm, have put up a tough fight for the past seven weeks," Jeffries said. "They've beaten the one-sided Republican spending bill 14 or 15 times, week after week. They keep pushing back against passing laws that don't tackle the Republican healthcare problem by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits.