Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is laying the groundwork for a bitter messaging battle with Republicans later this year, saying Wednesday that Republicans will be to blame for a government shutdown if Congress misses an Oct. 1 funding deadline.

Schumer emphasized that Democrats are prepared to wield what leverage they have to withhold vital bipartisan support needed for the annual budget if Republicans move forward with a $9.4 billion rescissions package to regain federal money already appropriated.