(AURN News) — The clock is ticking toward another government shutdown. Congressional leaders are headed to the White House for a last-minute meeting with President Donald Trump. If no deal is reached by tomorrow night, federal offices will close, workers will be furloughed and the economy will take another hit.
Republicans are pushing a short-term bill that would keep spending at current levels. Democrats are holding firm, saying they will not sign off unless health care benefits are extended, specifically Affordable Care Act tax credits that help millions of low- and middle-income families. Those credits are set to expire at the year’s end.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., says Americans are demanding health care help. Meanwhile, Republicans such as Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., insist the program needs reform first.
With Republicans in control of both Congress and the White House, Democrats argue the blame will fall squarely on the GOP if the government shuts down.
Trump said, “If the government has to shut down, so be it,” during talks with congressional leaders at the White House.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
