The US government shutdown could end this week. Democrats, however, are demanding health guarantees
Kevin Hassett, the White House's top economic adviser, said on Monday that the government shutdown in the United States is “likely to end this week”, although the Trump administration is prepared to take “stronger measures” if Democrats do not cooperate.
US Senate PHOTO: The truth (archive)
“There are real chances that the situation will be resolved very soon“, said Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, in an interview with CNBC.
“Moderate Democrats will take the necessary step to reopen the government, and then we can negotiate the desired policies normally,” writes News.
The deadlock, already in its third week, was caused by the dispute in the Senate regarding federal funding priorities. Republicans are pushing for a temporary resolution that would keep funding at current levels, while Democrats want any deal to include additional funding for health insurance, particularly extending tax credits from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is set to expire at the end of the year.
Hassett said that some Democratic senators would have avoided a vote until now out of fear “of a negative political image” before the national protests”No Kings” against President Trump, scheduled for last weekend.
“I think the Schumer-led gridlock will end this week,” the adviser said, referring to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, accused by Republicans of stopping government funding.
If that doesn't happen, he added, the White House could consider “additional measures” along with the director of the Office of the Budget, Russell Vought, to determine the Democrats”to return to the negotiation table”.
Democrats reject Republican accusations, saying they won't accept reopening the government without guarantees to protect health care programs.
Several recent polls show that most Americans blame Trump and Republicans for the crisis and support maintaining health insurance subsidies.
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer recently told Punchbowl News that “every passing day benefits us”, as the Democrats prepared in advance for this confrontation, knowing that the topic of health will be central at the end of September.
Senate Majority Leader Republican John Thune said he offered Democrats a vote to extend Obamacare tax credits in exchange for reopening the government, but the offer was rejected.
Hassett stated that President Trump “was actively involved in the process”but believes that the resolution of the crisis must come from the Senate.
