Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday that Senate Democrats are willing to consider a short-term spending bill to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of this week.
Schumer told reporters that a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government, perhaps through February, is something Senate Democrats would “very seriously consider” to avoid a partial government shutdown in several agencies that don’t yet have full funding for fiscal 2019.
“If Leader McConnell puts a short-term CR on the table, it’s something we’d very seriously consider,” Schumer said. “Our choice, our preference is the two proposals we’ve made. If Republicans can’t agree to those and propose a short-term CR, we’d very seriously consider, look at it, for sure. But as to how long it is is up to Leader McConnell.”
Schumer spoke after he huddled with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who offered a deal that would have included $1 billion for border security on top of $1.6 billion that was passed in last year’s funding agreement. Schumer said the offer was unacceptable and could not pass either chamber of Congress.
Last week, Schumer met with President Trump and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in the Oval Office where Trump declared that he would “take the mantle” to shut down the government over lack of funds for border security. Trump has been calling for $5 billion to be included in this measure.
“His basic position is untenable,” Schumer said.
