A partial shutdown of the US government is threatening to begin at midnight on Friday as President Donald Trump insists on $5bn (£3.9bn) for a wall along the southern border with Mexico, while Democrats are offering $1.3bn to maintain current funding levels.
The standoff has deepened with few signs of progress between Republicans and Democrats. A shutdown would disrupt government operations, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay over the holiday season, with costs likely in the billions of dollars.
President Trump met with his team and received regular updates, according to White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. Trump also tweeted on Monday to maintain pressure. However, he lacks the votes from the Republican-led Congress to secure the $5bn, and Democrats have refused to meet his demands.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber on Monday hoping for a “bipartisan collaborative spirit” to enable Congress to finish its work. Meanwhile, more than 800,000 government workers face uncertainty. The dispute could affect nine of 15 cabinet-level departments, including homeland security, transportation, and justice.
J David Cox Sr, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in a statement: “Our members are asking how they are supposed to pay for rent, food and gas if they are required to work without a paycheck. The holiday season makes these inquiries especially heart-wrenching.”
Congress has already approved funding for about 75% of the government’s discretionary account for the budget year that began 1 October. The US Postal Service would not be affected as it is an independent agency. Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi have suggested keeping funding at $1.3bn, an offer Trump has neither accepted nor rejected.
