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Government Shutdown Looms As Tensions Rise Between Parties
On Thursday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) highlighted the responsibility of Republicans in preventing a potential government shutdown, emphasizing their control over both chambers of Congress.
During an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on “The Lead,” Ocasio-Cortez remarked, “Everyone is aware that Donald Trump occupies the presidency, the Republicans govern the Senate, and they also control the House.” She argued that these factors mean that Republicans have the authority to take actions necessary to avoid a shutdown. “If they wish to avoid this scenario, they can opt to negotiate with Democrats for additional support. The solution is straightforward,” she added.
Discussions aimed at achieving bipartisan funding fell through earlier this year, leading House Republicans to propose their own six-month stopgap funding bill. This bill passed the House with only a single Democratic vote; however, it requires the support of eight Senate Democrats to surpass the filibuster and proceed.
This situation places considerable stress on Democratic senators, who oppose the current legislation but are wary of being held accountable for a government shutdown. The pressure has intensified as the House has concluded its session after passing the continuing resolution on Tuesday, leaving it unable to amend any changes made by the Senate before the impending shutdown deadline on Friday.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced on Thursday his intention to support the advancement of the Republican funding bill.
Meanwhile, both Democratic leaders in the House and progressive members are encouraging their Senate counterparts to resist any compromises with the GOP.
“People across the political spectrum—Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike—are outraged by Elon Musk’s impact on federal agencies,” Ocasio-Cortez stated during her CNN appearance. “The proposed continuing resolution essentially endorses the disorder that Musk has been instigating within the federal government.”
On the same day, President Trump asserted that if government funding lapses, it would be the fault of the Democrats. He indicated that a shutdown could hinder Republican plans to prolong expiring tax cuts.
“If they cause a shutdown, it may ultimately lead to significantly higher taxes, as we’re addressing a shutdown situation,” Trump explained to reporters. “We’re prioritizing immediate efforts on what could be the most significant tax legislation ever enacted. It was a revival of our previous bill, plus more. We are focused on reducing individuals’ tax burdens. If we don’t proceed, it’s the Democrats who would be obstructing these beneficial measures,” he asserted.
The Hill has reached out to the White House for further comments.
Source
thehill.com