Dem raps Schu for floor rant

Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware questioned on Sunday the timing of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s fiery speech last week trashing Republicans over talks on raising the debt ceiling.

Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Schumer tore into Republicans for “playing a dangerous and risky partisan game” after 11 GOP senators stood with all 50 Democrats to end debate and proceed on a short-term increase to the nation’s borrowing limit.

The speech infuriated Republicans, and left Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) burying his head in his hands. The limit was extended to December on a party-line vote.

Coons told “Fox News Sunday” that he understood Schumer’s frustration, but the timing of his comments “may not have been the best.”

“Frankly, I agree with the reasons why Senator Schumer was so frustrated that this standoff over the debt limit was risky, was unnecessary, was a manufactured crisis,” Coons said.

“But partly why Senator Manchin had his head in his hands was he thinks our leaders should be talking to each other directly. And all of us agree that we need more stability in our Congress and our country.

“So while I completely understand . . . Schumer’s deep frustration, the timing may not have been the best,” Coons said.

Among the Republicans incensed by Schumer’s speech was Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said Republicans would not join Democrats to raise the debt limit when it comes up for a vote again in December.