Congress at odds over funding deal
By Matthew Martinez
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Four days remain until a partial government shutdown, and lawmakers have still not reached an agreement on a deal. The leaders of the House and the Senate will meet with President Joe Biden Tuesday where they are expected to discuss how to avoid the shutdown.
There is still no clear path in sight for Congress, but leaders in the Senate are staying optimistic.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell warned Americans a partial government shutdown could happen.
“Unless both sides, both sides, work together to extend funding,” Schumer said.
“The task at hand will require that everyone rows at the same direction,” McConnell added.
If a deal isn’t reached by the March 1st and March 8th deadlines it would hurt key programs and services for different government agencies.
“The country would face needless disruptions to agriculture, transportation, military construction and essential services at the VA,” said McConnell.
However, Schumer says the hold-up is because of House Republicans.
“Unfortunately, our House Republican colleagues are still struggling to figure themselves out,” said Schumer.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries will join the Senate leaders when they meet with President Biden to find a path towards a deal.
Schumer says one thing remains clear.
“We need to remember our responsibility to the American people and do our jobs,” he said.
Senators returned to Capitol Hill on Monday, but House lawmakers won’t be back until Wednesday leaving little time ahead of the deadline.
