The partial government shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, has entered its 18th day, with no end in sight. The House of Representatives has passed several bills aimed at ending the shutdown, but the Senate has refused to take up the measures. The latest proposal, which would have reopened the government for three weeks while negotiations continued, was voted down by the Senate on Monday.
Senate Objections
The Senate's rejection of the House's proposal has left lawmakers scrambling to find a solution. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has stated that the Senate will not consider any bill that does not have the support of at least 60 senators. With the Senate evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, this means that any bill would need the support of at least 20 Democrats to pass.
Senate Democrats have expressed frustration with the Republican-controlled Senate's refusal to consider the House's bills. "It's time for the Senate to take action and end this shutdown," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "We can't just sit back and wait for the House to pass something that we know won't pass the Senate."
Consequences of the Shutdown
The partial government shutdown has had far-reaching consequences for federal workers and the economy. Thousands of federal employees have been furloughed or forced to work without pay. The shutdown has also disrupted government services, including the processing of tax refunds and the issuance of passports.
The shutdown has also had a significant impact on the economy. A study by the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the shutdown has cost the economy over $3 billion. The shutdown has also led to a decline in consumer spending, as federal workers and their families are forced to cut back on discretionary spending.
Next Steps
The House of Representatives is expected to hold a vote on a new bill to end the shutdown on Wednesday. The bill, which would have reopened the government for three weeks, is expected to pass the House but face opposition in the Senate. Senate Democrats have stated that they will not support any bill that does not include a pathway to citizenship for young undocumented immigrants.
The White House has stated that it will not negotiate with Democrats until the government is reopened. This has raised concerns that the shutdown could drag on for weeks or even months. The situation is being closely watched by lawmakers and the public, who are eager to see an end to the impasse.
As the shutdown continues, lawmakers are under increasing pressure to find a solution. The House's bid to end the partial shutdown has gotten tougher, but there is still hope that a deal can be reached. The Senate's refusal to consider the House's bills has raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences of the shutdown.