The federal government is set to shut down at midnight on Tuesday. The House of Representatives already passed a seven-week extension that would keep the government funded through Nov. 20. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said Democrats should vote “yes” on that bill so bipartisan Senate negotiations can continue on a comprehensive appropriations bill. But Democrats are refusing to do so. Instead, they are demanding a ransom of more than half a trillion dollars over 10 years just to keep the government running for a few more weeks.

It is a ridiculous proposal. Republicans should refuse it, and Democrats will be left to take public blame for yet another example of Washington incompetence. Or they can come to their senses before midnight Tuesday and let the federal government keep functioning while talks continue.