LIVE Video: Senate set to vote on funding bills as shutdown goes into effect
The Senate on Wednesday again took up two bills that would fund the government. Expectations were high that the results would mirror Tuesday’s votes on the same legislation, which triggered the shutdown at midnight.
When will the shutdown end? That’s anyone’s guess.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) on Wednesday morning told Democrats there’s “no way out” beyond voting for the Republican funding bill. Lawmakers are now voting again on both parties’ proposals.
“This could’ve been avoided,” he said at a press conference with GOP leaders from both House and Senate.
President Trump’s administration has threatened mass firings and potential program cuts if funding expired. Labor unions on Tuesday filed suit to try to prevent job actions beyond traditional furloughs, calling the threat “not only illegal – it’s immoral and unconscionable.”
Senators forced a shutdown with a pair of votes on Tuesday evening, with both parties falling short of the 60 votes needed to pass a short-term funding bill. Three Democrats voted with Republicans to keep the government funded through Nov. 21.
Follow along here for updates all day.
