The federal government shutdown that began October 1 is now approaching its second week. This dire straits scenario has resulted in a new urgency on the Senate floor, as lawmakers prepare for a trio of important votes. As of writing, the Republicans are still trying to goad a short term continuing resolution. This measure would continue all non-defence government operations at their current levels through November 21. This proposal is met with serious resistance among Democrats, who are insisting that any climate legislation must include health-care protections.
To further rub salt in the wound, the Trump administration took a recent victory lap by cancelling almost $8 billion in climate funding – targeting those same blue states. This controversial decision has received criticism from all over, particularly since it arrived amidst the backdrop of larger funding fights. The administration has effectively frozen $2.1 billion that was promised to these projects in Chicago. They attribute that delay to an intentional stall on the part of Democratic state lawmakers.
The Energy Department has moved to use the same green cancellation power to target blue states all over the United States, further proving politically discriminatory intent. Environmental advocates and local leaders who depend on this kind of funding for everything from complete streets initiatives to improving public health have been alarmed by these moves.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer signaled early that Democrats would not budge as the votes drew closer. He added that their support would be contingent upon inclusion of health-care provisions. This is a huge priority for Democrats, to extend the enhanced subsidies for Obamacare/ACA. These desperately needed subsidies are due to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts.
“Republicans are shutting down the government because they refuse to fix and address the crisis in American healthcare,” – Chuck Schumer
House Republicans have responded to this logic by accusing Democrats of hostage-taking. As of now, they need at least eight votes from Democratic senators to support their short-term funding measure to get it through. Senate Majority Leader John Thune was quick to shoot down the Democrats’ $17 billion funding proposal. He announced on the floor today that it lacks the votes to pass.
“Doesn’t pass here, doesn’t pass the House, wouldn’t get signed into law by the president,” – John Thune
The protracted shutdown has led to a discontinuation of weekly jobless claims reports, adding to the economic uncertainty. With major decisions looming, both parties are preparing for a series of three critical votes scheduled to commence at 11:20 a.m. ET.
In a related comment, President Donald Trump suggested that not all furloughed workers may receive back pay once the government reopens. It depends, and in doing so, created a lot of anxiety among employees about their fiscal futures.