The federal government shutdown is on its fifteenth day, and because the public more and more begins to really feel the results, it stays unclear which occasion on Capitol Hill will blink first.
LEILA FADEL, HOST:
The federal authorities is now shut down for a fifteenth day, and Republicans and Democrats seem no nearer to an settlement to reopen it.
MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:
The Trump administration says it’s ready to experience out an prolonged stalemate, and congressional leaders say nobody is actively negotiating a manner out.
FADEL: NPR congressional reporter Sam Gringlas joins us now to debate this. Good morning, Sam.
SAM GRINGLAS, BYLINE: Good morning.
FADEL: So, Sam, is something altering on Capitol Hill?
GRINGLAS: Probably not. There have been, you understand, some casual bipartisan conversations amongst a couple of senators, however they have not actually produced a lot. And final night time, the Senate didn’t advance a short-term funding invoice for an eighth time. Democrats are holding out to barter an extension for expiring well being care subsidies. However high Republicans, like Consultant Lisa McClain of Michigan, say that there is simply nothing to cut price over.
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LISA MCCLAIN: So whenever you ask, what negotiation? – there’s nothing to barter.
GRINGLAS: And in the meantime, the White Home Workplace of Administration and Funds says it’s making each preparation to batten down the hatches to experience out a protracted shutdown. The White Home says that features repurposing different funds to pay U.S. troops, who would have missed a paycheck this week, although the plan to cowl the subsequent one is unclear.
FADEL: OK. The opportunity of troops going with out pay has put stress on Congress to behave up to now throughout shutdowns, however now that is off the desk. So what else may break the deadlock?
GRINGLAS: The White Home additionally says it is discovered cash to fund WIC. That is the meals support program for ladies, infants and kids. Which will have been one other stress level, however there are nonetheless others. These medical insurance subsidies are expiring quickly. Plus, there shall be extra shutdown penalties. This is Home Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
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TOM EMMER: Extra People will not see a paycheck on the finish of this month. Advantages like SNAP shall be put in danger. Airports shall be flooded with flight cancellations and delays amid the busiest time to journey all 12 months.
GRINGLAS: After which there are the layoffs. President Trump pledged to fireside extra federal staff in the course of the shutdown and on Friday laid off some 4,200 individuals. Although a few of these had been walked again, Trump mentioned extra layoffs could also be on the best way.
FADEL: OK. And Republicans are suggesting that the specter of these layoffs may stress Democrats to again down. Are they proper?
GRINGLAS: Properly, Democrats say their stance continues to be resolute, even these whose constituents might stand to really feel the impacts most. Lawmakers who signify the D.C. space spoke exterior the OMB on Monday, and behind them had been dozens of federal staff. That is Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
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CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: After they let you know that the shutdown is making them fireplace these federal workers, don’t imagine it for a second. That could be a massive lie.
GRINGLAS: The Trump administration has been slashing the federal workforce for months. A listening to is going on in federal courtroom in the present day over the legality of these layoffs. Van Hollen says Trump will hold making cuts whether or not the federal government is open or closed. Trump did inform reporters Tuesday he plans to proceed closing Democrat applications. However even when the impacts of a shutdown, Leila, turn into extra extreme, an finish to this stalemate might not come quickly.
FADEL: NPR congressional reporter Sam Gringlas. Thanks, Sam.
GRINGLAS: Thanks.
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