Last-ditch battle to keep US government working
Paul Ryan called on Chuck Schumer to avoid a government shutdown, saying: ‘It is risky. It is reckless. And it is wrong’
Washington — A last-ditch battle to avert a looming US government shutdown moved to the Senate on Friday, where Democrats angered by the collapse of immigration talks have vowed to block a stop-gap funding bill. With the federal government set to run out of money Friday at midnight — the eve of the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration — the bill cleared the House with a 230-197 vote. But prospects appeared gloomy in the Senate, where Democrats eager for leverage on budget and immigration deals were intent on shooting it down. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said if agreement were not reached by Friday night, there should be an even shorter-term funding measure of a few days that would "give the president a few days to come to the table". Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican majority leader, said the House bill provided for four weeks of funding, enough to allow talks to continue "without throwing the government into disarray for no reason...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.