Stefanik and Schumer: Two very different takes on a looming, likely Government shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C.- It appears unlikely for federal lawmakers to strike a deal and dodge a government shutdown by the October 1 deadline.

After congressional leaders met with the President on Monday at the Whitehouse, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) told reporters how there are still “very large differences” for when it comes to what both political parties are willing to negotiate.

For the Democrats, it appears their main sticking point revolves around healthcare. “The shutdown is in Trump’s hands,” Senator Schumer said. “If the government shuts down, it’s because Republicans would rather shut it down rather than help people afford healthcare.”

Meanwhile, North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) has fired back by accusing Schumer of voting for the same bipartisan bill back in March that she just voted for at the end of this month.

“The disgraceful reality is that Democrats are forcing a shutdown by voting NO on government funding because Chuck Schumer got absolutely walloped earlier this year by the radical Far Left because he voted to fund the government,” she said.

For context, a government shutdown is the result of Congress failing to pass funding for some or all agencies, as they cannot spend money that has not already been approved by lawmakers.

In many cases, federal employees will end up working through the shutdown without receiving official pay for however long it takes for lawmakers to strike a deal.

The last time America had a full Government shutdown was during Donald Trump’s first Presidency. It lasted from December 22, 2018 through January 25, 2019.

U.S. Capitol image.