The US government shutdown, now in its 22nd day, has become the second-longest in history as the stalemate between the two parties over expiring health-care subsidies persists.
With President Donald Trump expected to leave later this week for a trip to Asia, lawmakers and congressional aides say they see a real possibility the closure could extend into November and surpass the 35-day shutdown of Trump's first term.
A Tuesday meeting at the White House between Trump and Senate Republicans appeared to only strengthen the GOP resolve to refuse to negotiate with Democrats, who have demanded as their price for reopening the government that Congress provide relief to 22 million Americans whose health-care premiums will spike in January. "Our message has been very simple: We will not be extorted on this crazy plot of theirs," Trump said. The Senate needs the votes of at least eight Democrats to overcome a filibuster on the House-passed temporary spending bill, which expires on Nov 21.
With President Donald Trump expected to leave later this week for a trip to Asia, lawmakers and congressional aides say they see a real possibility the closure could extend into November and surpass the 35-day shutdown of Trump's first term.
A Tuesday meeting at the White House between Trump and Senate Republicans appeared to only strengthen the GOP resolve to refuse to negotiate with Democrats, who have demanded as their price for reopening the government that Congress provide relief to 22 million Americans whose health-care premiums will spike in January. "Our message has been very simple: We will not be extorted on this crazy plot of theirs," Trump said. The Senate needs the votes of at least eight Democrats to overcome a filibuster on the House-passed temporary spending bill, which expires on Nov 21.
