Democrats led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are under fire for stalling a pediatric cancer research bill for months, only to use the issue to push a 1,500-page spending package.

H.R. 3391, designed to fund research for childhood cancer, passed the Republican-led House in March but has languished in the Senate. Schumer’s refusal to act on the bill has drawn criticism from Republicans, who accuse Democrats of politicizing a critical issue.

This week, the House unveiled a massive spending package tied to the funding, sparking backlash for including unrelated expenditures such as censorship programs. Public outcry forced a revision of the bill, cutting it to 116 pages but removing cancer research funding.

Democrats took to social media to blame Republicans for the funding cut. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) called the situation “heartless,” while Jon Favreau accused Elon Musk of killing the funding. Critics noted the lack of similar outrage when Schumer failed to advance H.R. 3391.

Republicans argue the funding could have passed months ago if Democrats had prioritized it instead of using it as leverage for a broader spending agenda. The controversy highlights a growing divide over Washington’s ability to handle critical issues without politicization.

The Senate’s inaction on H.R. 3391 raises questions about whether Democrats will prioritize children’s health or continue to tie it to unrelated spending.