(Washington Insider Magazine) – Democrats and republicans are clashing within the senate as they are on the brink of a government shutdown which will occur by the end of the week if a bipartisan solution is not found.
On Monday, a bill passed through the house that was then blocked by Senate Republicans which would have increased funding for the federal government and consequently raised the debt limit. This bill would have allotted billions of dollars to aiding regions of the country experiencing hurricanes as well as supporting refugees from Afghanistan. This leaves senators with just two more days to find another solution, as government funding will be completely exhausted by the end of the day on September 30th.
Senate Republicans have made it very clear they will not allow any bill to pass through the senate that would raise the national debt limit, which currently sits at 28.8 trillion dollars. Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), said that Senate Republicans would be in support of a measure that prevents a shutdown, supports Louisiana hurricane relief, and aids Afghan Refugees, as long as it does not raise the debt limit. He argues that “Democrats want to use this temporary pandemic as a trojan horse for permanent socialism”.
This stance was met by much frustration by Senate Democrats, as Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), believes the Republican stance on this issue is both “reckless” and “irresponsible”. “Senate Republicans voted to drive our country straight towards a government shutdown, and the first default in our country’s history”.
Approaching a government shutdown, Republicans remain unhappy with the Biden Administration’s ambitious plans for spending, as two bills will likely be passed through congress this week. One of which for infrastructure and the other a “safety net” bill for child care and family support, totaling over 4 trillion dollars between the two. Senate Republicans believe any increase to the debt limit should be attached to these bills and do not seem to be budging any time soon.
These coming days will be critical as the senate struggles to find a bipartisan solution to avoiding a government shutdown.
