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President Donald Trump on Monday night accused Democrats of causing the ongoing government shutdown and urged them to approve funding immediately, calling for the government to reopen “tonight.”
“Democrats have SHUT DOWN the United States Government right in the midst of one of the most successful Economies, including a Record Stock Market, that our Country has ever had,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This has sadly affected so many programs, services, and other elements of Society that Americans rely on — And it should not have happened.”
“I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open,” he added. “In fact, they should open our Government tonight!”
The post came shortly after Senate Democrats again blocked a Republican measure to end the shutdown on Monday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and most Democrats have refused to back a temporary spending bill unless it includes an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., needs at least eight Democrats to pass the GOP proposal, which would fund the government through Nov. 21. So far, only three Democrats, including Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Angus King of Maine, have broken with their party to support reopening the government. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., remains the only Republican holdout.
Democrats argue that failing to extend the subsidies would lead to higher health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. Republicans say that Democrats are holding out on providing taxpayer-funded health insurance for illegal immigrants.
“We need the president involved,” Schumer said. “Johnson and a whole lot of his caucus don’t like the ACA, don’t want to do the extensions. A lot of Republican senators in the Senate do, but they’re not enough. You need Johnson and you need Trump to get it done.”
The conflict continues as President Trump is scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday. The two heads of state are expected to meet in the Oval Office, followed by a lunch in the Cabinet Room.
