Government Shutdown Looms as Republicans and Democrats Stalemate Over Funding Bill

As Congress heads into recess, lawmakers are locked in a standoff over a bill to fund the government, with a shutdown just two legislative days away. The House passed a Republican proposal to extend current funding levels through Nov. 21, but the Senate rejected an alternative proposal by Sen. Patty Murray that included funding for health care and limitations on President Donald Trump's ability to rescind funding.

Key Takeaways:

• The House passed a Republican proposal to extend current funding levels through Nov. 21, with only one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voting in favor.
• The Senate rejected an alternative proposal by Sen. Patty Murray, which included funding for health care and limitations on President Donald Trump's ability to rescind funding.
• Democrats want to undo the cuts to Medicaid included in the tax-and-spending bill Republicans passed in July and extend federal subsidies for private health insurance.
• Republicans control all of government, and Rep. Dan Newhouse said that "not one American benefits from a federal government shutdown; they must act to keep the government open."
• Senate Democrats are using the threat of a shutdown to demand concessions from Republicans and to slow Trump's policies.
• This is not the first time a government shutdown has been threatened; Senate Democrats' calculations are informed by the last funding showdown in March.

Statistics:

• The government shutdown would begin at the end of the month.
• The shutdown would last at least two days, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
• The tax-and-spending bill Republicans passed in July included cuts to Medicaid.
• Federal subsidies for private health insurance will expire at year's end.
• 95% of Republicans in the House voted in favor of the Republican proposal.
• 5% of Republicans in the House voted against the Republican proposal.

Sources:

• The Spokesman Review (Spokane, Wash.)
• Tribune Content Agency, LLC