WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the federal government nears a potential shutdown, Democrats and Republicans remain divided over the latest spending bill.
The current bill proposal would fund the government only until November 27, 2025. After this date, Congress would need to pass a budget bill or another continuing resolution to prevent the shutdown.
Republicans have proposed what they call a “clean” continuing resolution, aiming to maintain funding at current levels. However, Democrats are advocating for a funding increase following significant cuts made earlier this year. A major point of contention is the push for the return of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader from New York, criticized the Republican proposal.
“Clean is the wrong word. It’s a partisan bill,” Schumer stated.
On the other side, Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from New England, expressed a willingness to negotiate.
“I think we should sit down with Democrats to talk about the ACA tax credits. They shouldn’t get 100 percent, but… I think there’s area to negotiate,” Bacon said.
Both parties must find consensus to pass the bill and avoid a government shutdown due to insufficient funds. As the deadline approaches, the pressure mounts on Congress to reach an agreement.
