(NEXSTAR) – Congress has seven working days left to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month.
Republicans are considering a stopgap spending bill that would maintain current spending levels through November, and Texas Sen. John Cornyn says would allow more time for negotiations.
“This is not ideal but it’s better than shutting down the government,” Cornyn (R-TX) said.
Any spending bill needs at least 60 votes in the Senate.
But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says Democrats may not be on board if the measure doesn’t extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent costs from rising next year.
“If one side refuses to negotiate, they are the ones causing the shutdown,” Schumer (D-NY) said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson says those subsidies will not be renewed in the short-term deal, also known as a CR.
President Trump urged Republicans to “..stick TOGETHER to fight back against the Radical Left Democrat demands,” in a Truth Social Post.
The White House is also calling for more security funding in the CR, after the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The President’s $58 million ask is specifically for the executive and judicial branches.
Lawmakers say they’re also looking into more security funding for themselves.
“We see so many threats come across our emails and phone lines, and it’s frustrating,” Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) said.
Haridopolos says that’s something members will consider.
But the clock is ticking. Congress is scheduled to leave town next week for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, and when they return will have two working days left before the shutdown deadline.
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