Congress Continues to be Deadlocked on Government Closure Prior to Monday Vote

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Democratic and Republican leaders are still divided on resolving the federal funding lapse as further legislative action looms on Monday.

In separate Sunday interviews, the Democratic leader and Republican leader each attributed responsibility to the opposition for the ongoing impasse, which will start its fifth consecutive day on Monday.

Healthcare Emerges as Key Dividing Issue

The primary point of contention has been medical coverage. Democrats want to ensure premium assistance for those with limited means continue uninterrupted and seek to restore decreases for the government healthcare program.

A legislation financing the government has cleared the lower chamber, but has multiple times been blocked in the Senate.

Allegations and Counterclaims Intensify

The Democratic leader alleged conservative lawmakers engaged in "lying" about their negotiating position "because they're losing the voter approval". However, the GOP leader said liberal lawmakers remain "unserious" and bargaining dishonestly - "they're doing this to get protection from criticism".

Government Schedule and Procedural Obstacles

The Legislative body will likely reconvene Monday following lunch and once again take up a two separate temporary funding measures to fund the government. Meanwhile, The minority caucus will gather Monday to consider next steps.

The House speaker has prolonged a legislative break through the week, meaning representatives will stay closed to consider a appropriations measure in case the upper chamber modifies legislation and find compromise.

Vote Counting and Partisan Considerations

Republicans hold a small edge of 53 votes in the century-member chamber, but budget legislation will demand sixty approvals to be approved.

In his weekend appearance, the Republican leader contended that liberal lawmakers' denial to pass a stopgap appropriation that maintained existing budgets was needless. The healthcare tax credits at issue don't expire until the December 31st, he said, and a Democratic proposal would add too much increased appropriations in a temporary seven-week bill.

"We have plenty of time to resolve that issue," he said.

Immigration Claims and Insurance Controversy

He also contended that the tax credits would not help address what he says are significant issues with insurance regulations, including "illegal aliens and working-age males lacking children" accessing Medicaid.

Some Republicans, including the Vice-President, have portrayed the liberal approach as "trying to give insurance advantages to undocumented immigrants". Liberal lawmakers reject those allegations and illegal or undocumented immigrants are unqualified for the initiatives the Democrats are supporting.

Democratic Position and Insurance Concerns

The opposition spokesman told morning shows that Democrats feel the results of the ending subsidies are serious.

"We're fighting for the medical coverage of hard-working American taxpayers," he said. "Should conservative lawmakers persist in denying to continue the Affordable Care Act tax credit, dozens of millions of US citizens are going to face significantly higher monthly payments, co-payments, and initial costs."

Public Opinion Reveals Broad Dissatisfaction

Recent survey results has found that US citizens perceive the approaches of all legislators of the government closure critically, with the President also receiving poor ratings.

The survey found that 80% of the approximately 2,500 US citizens interviewed are significantly or slightly anxious about the funding lapse's consequences on the financial markets. Only less than one-quarter of those surveyed said the conservative approach was merited the impasse, while slightly more said the equivalent for the opposition's position.

The survey found voters blame the Chief Executive and conservative lawmakers mainly regarding the crisis, at nearly two-fifths, but Democrats were not far behind at 30%. About nearly one-third of respondents said all parties were to blame.

Increasing Impacts and Administrative Warnings

Meanwhile, the consequences of the shutdown are beginning to mount as the closure continues into its week two. On Saturday, The prominent museum announced it had to cease public access due to budget shortfalls.

The President has frequently suggested to employ the shutdown to implement mass layoffs across the national administration and reduce federal operations that he says are important to Democrats.

The specifics of those proposed eliminations have not been released. The president has argued it is a opportunity "to eliminate dead wood, waste, and fraud. Significant amounts can be conserved".

When inquired concerning the threats in the Sunday interview, the House speaker said that he had not seen details, but "it is a regrettable situation that the president does not want".

"I want the Democratic leader to do the right thing that he's done throughout his extended service in the legislature and approve maintaining the government open," the Republican leader said, adding that as long as the impasse continues, the executive branch has "needs to implement challenging measures".

Hailey Roberson
Hailey Roberson

A passionate pastry chef and food blogger dedicated to sharing the best of Canadian confectionery with a creative twist.