Clock is ticking for Senate to prevent government shutdown
The Senate must pass a Republican-proposed short-term spending bill by Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown, amid ongoing disputes between Democratic and Republican leaders.
The Senate must pass a Republican-proposed short-term spending bill by Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown, amid ongoing disputes between Democratic and Republican leaders.
The Senate must pass a Republican-proposed short-term spending bill by Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown, amid ongoing disputes between Democratic and Republican leaders.
The Senate is tasked with passing a Republican-proposed short-term spending bill to keep government agencies open, with a deadline looming at the end of the month.
Democratic leaders are requesting a meeting with Republicans to discuss preserving health care programs like Medicaid.
Overnight, Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries sent a letter to President Donald Trump demanding a meeting, stating, "We will not support a dirty spending bill that continues the Republican assault on healthcare."
The letter also said, "We write to demand a meeting in connection with your decision to shut down the federal government because of the Republican desire to continue to gut the healthcare of the American people."
On Friday, the House approved a Republican proposal to fund the federal government through Nov. 21, but the measure failed in the Senate. A Democratic proposal aimed at boosting health care funds also did not pass.
On Saturday, President Trump told reporters he remains open to a potential meeting but was dismissive of the Democratic leadership.
Schumer said, "Donald Trump would rather shut down the government than even talk to Democrats about lowering the cost of health care for Americans, which is what is our goal."
Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso said, "Well, Republicans want to keep the government open, and the Democrats, based on what I believe, is the Schumer strategy, is a shutdown strategy. It is their goal to shut down the government."
The deadline to pass the short-term spending bill is Sept. 30. If it does not move through the Senate, a government shutdown could happen.
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