In 36 hours the federal government will shut down without a bill that continues to fund it, and instead of finding a solution, Senate Republicans and President Trump are busy blaming each other for the mess they’ve created. Instead of working across the aisle to solve this impending disaster — which will close vital government offices, halt paychecks for federal workers, and slow down our economy — Republicans are playing political games and driving toward a cliff.
“Senate Republicans and President Trump can’t stop pointing fingers at each other for a shutdown crisis that’s entirely of their own making, from their refusal to protect Dreamers to their insistence on an ineffective border wall that the President promised Americans they would never have to pay for,” said American Bridge spokesperson Allison Teixeira Sulier. “The reality is that if the government shuts down, it is entirely because of Trump and Republicans’ total inability to govern. They’re in complete control of the government and Americans will hold them responsible for this chaos.”
Trump Officials Blaming Republicans:
Trump Administration officials “have turned sharply against a government shutdown, and are privately saying they will hammer Congress — not specifically Democrats — if federal funding runs dry. Conservatives on Capitol Hill will not get political cover from the administration if they don’t vote to keep government open.”(Politico, 1/17/18)
White House Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short: “We’re all frustrated Maria, this is not the way that Congress is supposed to work. They’re supposed to have a funding bill completed by September 30th, we are now in mid-January.” (Fox Business Network, 1/17/18)
Senate Republicans Blaming Trump:
Leader Mitch McConnell: “I’m looking for something that President Trump supports, and he has not yet indicated what measure he is willing to sign,” McConnell said. “As soon as we figure out what he is for, then I would be convinced that we were not just spinning our wheels.” (Washington Post, 1/17/18)
Senator Mike Rounds: On Trump’s chaotic leadership: “I think it depends on when you have spoken to him last and who was advising him last.” (CNN, 1/18/18)
Senator John Cornyn: “[The deal] didn’t satisfy the president’s demands. Now we’re back at the drawing board.” (Fox News, 1/18/18)
Published: Jan 18, 2018