Currents News Staff
While federal workers protested inside a Senate office building, party leaders set the stage for Thursday’s dueling votes.
“It’s hard to think of a good reason to oppose this,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell.
The democratic proposal: re-open the federal government until February eighth, while both sides negotiate.
“Our amendment: open up the government and then let’s talk,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer.
The G.O.P. proposal & the president’s proposal: three years of DACA protections, in exchange for $5.7 billion for the border wall, a non-starter for democrats.
“The President will just say, Oh hey, it worked great to shut down the government to get the first thing I wanted, I’m going to keep shutting down the government in the future,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen.
Both on track to fail, but senators hope it’s a constructive step.
“Hopefully once that occurs and all sides have laid out their position, we can begin using this as a catalyst to take the next steps,” said Sen. Mike Rounds.
Minus a deal, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and house democratic leadership, want next tuesday’s State Of The Union Address at the Capitol, postponed.
“Unless the government is reopened, it’s highly unlikely that the State of the Union’s going to take place on the floor of the United States House of Representatives,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
Pelosi sent a letter to the President Wednesday afternoon reiterating, no shutdown solution, no speech.
“I’m not surprised. It’s really a shame what’s happening with the Democrats. They’ve become radicalized,” said Trump.
The House has to vote to authorize the President’s address in the chamber.