As the government shutdown enters its third week, Republicans are ratcheting up pressure on Democrats to pass a spending bill. The Senate isn’t set to reconvene until Tuesday, after failing for a seventh time last week to pass a spending deal.
Pressure is mounting in Washington following a controversial move on Friday. The Trump administration began issuing notices, letting federal employees know they will be laid off in 60 days.
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The administration had been discussing this move before the shutdown officially began. In September, the Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs.
In addition to the layoffs, the Trump administration announced it is looking for a way to compensate military members amid the shutdown. Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to get military members paid.
Vance warns of ‘deeper’ cuts
Over the weekend, Vice President JD Vance warned that “deeper” cuts to the federal workforce could come if the shutdown continues.
“This isn’t a deal-making, this isn’t a negotiation, this is hostage taking,” Vance said. “Chuck Schumer has not said to us, ‘This is what we need’. He’s said that ‘Unless you give us what we need, we’re gonna shut down the government.’”
Vance added, “We don’t negotiate with a person who has taken the entire federal government hostage over a health care policy dispute.’
The vice president said the administration is willing to negotiate on health care policy. However, that will come only after Congress passes a bill to reopen the government.
Blame game continues
While Republicans continue efforts to pressure Democrats, Democrats argue that Republicans are the ones to blame. They say Republicans refuse to accept a short-term bill that would fund the government through October, restore Medicaid cuts and extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
To reopen the government, the Senate requires 60 votes on one of its proposed bills. The latest vote last week fell short, 54-45.
