President Donald Trump continues to drag the nation into its ninth day of a partial government shutdown, and Republicans would be complicit in “holding the health and safety of the American people and workers’ paychecks hostage over the well,” if they reject a plan proposed by Democrats, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday.
“If Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans refuse to support the first bill, then they are complicit with President Trump in continuing the Trump shutdown and in holding the health and safety of the American people and workers’ paychecks hostage over the wall," Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint statement.
“It would be the height of irresponsibility and political cynicism for Senate Republicans to now reject the same legislation they have already supported.”
Trump wants $5 billion in funding for a border wall.
Democrats are pushing for passage of two bills: one that would fund the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 8 and another that would merge funding for the remaining six appropriation bills through Sept. 30, the end of the 2019 fiscal year.
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., a close ally of Trump’s, told The Hill the plan was a no-go.
"Several offers have been made both directly and indirectly to Democrats. All of the offers have been met with reluctance and disapproval. Democrats will give zero money for new border barrier construction and Republicans will not accept this position," Meadows said.
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