WASHINGTON (AP) —Hopes for a quick end to the government shutdown faded Friday as Republicans and Democrats dig in for a prolonged fight and President Donald Trump readies plans to unleash layoffs and cuts across the federal government.
On the third day of the shutdown, a Senate vote to advance a Republican bill that would reopen the government fell well short of the 60 needed to end a filibuster and pass the legislation. Senators were expected to depart for the weekend, and there has been few signs of any real progress towards ending the congressional standoff.
Democrats are demanding that Congress extend healthcare benefits, while Republicans are trying to wear them down with day after day of voting on the House-passed bill that would reopen the government temporarily, mostly at current spending levels.
The latest:
The Senate fails to advance a Republican bill that would reopen the government
Democrats refused to budge in a Senate vote and President Trump readied plans to unleash layoffs and cuts across the federal government.
On the third day of the shutdown, a Senate vote to advance a Republican bill that would reopen the government fell well short of the 60 needed to end a filibuster and pass the legislation. Senators were expected to depart for the weekend, and there have been few signs of any real progress towards ending the congressional standoff.
Senators head for the exits
The vote to advance a GOP bill to reopen the government was not over, but senators were already heading for the exits of the Capitol.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he will give Democrats the weekend to think over their stance, but there have been few signs of meaningful progress to ending the impasse.
The bill was poised to fail Friday afternoon as over 40 senators had already voted against it. The Senate’s filibuster rules require at least 60 senators to vote to advance the legislation to a final vote.
GOP Sen. Hawley says Congress must act ‘quickly’ to fix expiring ACA tax credits
“We’ve got to do something to make sure the premiums don’t essentially double, which they will in my state,” said the Missouri Republican, referencing ongoing discussions about extending the ACA tax credits. “We just can’t allow that to happen.”
“That’s a lot of Missourians that will not be able to afford healthcare. So we have to do something about it,” said Hawley.
Some Republicans have said they will address the expiring ACA tax credits once the government reopens. Hawley said they need to be addressed “as soon as possible.”
Smithsonian museums will remain open through Oct. 11
The Smithsonian Institution including all its museums will remain open at least through Oct. 11 amid an ongoing federal government shutdown.
Museums, research centers and the National Zoo were originally projected to only be able to operate through Saturday using prior-year funding.
The extension was posted Friday on the Smithsonian website.
The Smithsonian, the National Museum of African American History & Culture, has been targeted by the Trump administration for programs that advance “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology.”
Jeffries calls Trump, Republican congressional leaders ‘unserious’ in shutdown talks
“These aren’t serious individuals. They want to keep the government shut down,” the Democratic leader said during a Friday press conference.
Jeffries leveled a litany of critiques of President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. He added that President Trump “has behaved in a deeply unserious and deeply unhinged manner, and it’s evidence of the fact that Republican have a weak argument.”
Jeffries reiterated Democrats’ position that an extension of Affordable Care Act healthcare subsidies would be necessary for any budget to reopen the government.
“Everyone is about to experience dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles because of the Republican health care crisis. Everyone,” he warned.
Jeffries said that he had not spoken with House Speaker Mike Johnson about a potential delay in the House returning next week but said he “expects” the current schedule for lawmakers to hold.
“I’m ready to talk to Mike Johnson, John Thune, the President, the Vice President, or any member of the Trump administration with any authority, anytime, anyplace, anywhere,” Jeffries told reporters.