Washington D.C. – A government shutdown looms as both Democrats and Republicans hardened their positions Monday, increasing the likelihood of federal agencies halting operations as a Friday deadline approaches. Negotiations stalled over Republican demands for spending cuts, while Democrats accuse the GOP of prioritizing partisan goals over maintaining essential government services.
The standoff centers on a continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the government while Congress works toward a full-year budget. Republicans are seeking to maintain current funding levels adjusted for inflation, while Democrats resist what they characterize as attempts to drastically cut programs. white House Press Secretary karoline Leavitt, appearing on “Fox & Friends,” asserted the president’s proposal is “the reasonable and commonsense thing to do,” urging Democrats to support continued funding for the military and veterans. “All we are asking for is a commonsense, clean funding resolution – a continuing resolution – to keep the government open,” Leavitt stated. “This is a bill that keeps the government funded at the exact same levels as today, just adjusted for inflation.”
However, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries countered that the Republican position is “divorced from reality,” criticizing the narrative that Democrats would be responsible for a shutdown if they oppose cuts to healthcare programs. “In what world will any rational American conclude…that because Democrats are unwilling to gut the healthcare of the American people…that it’s us shutting the government down?” Jeffries saeid in a podcast interview. He accused the GOP of pushing a message solely for their “MAGA base.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began assessing the possibility of a short-term CR, potentially delaying a shutdown by seven to ten days to allow for continued negotiations.Meanwhile, betting markets indicated a greater than 70% chance of a shutdown by the end of Monday, according to CNBC.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced plans to hold a vote on government funding Tuesday afternoon, stating the outcome rests “up to the Democrats.” He characterized the situation as “purely and simply hostage-taking.”
