’Totally avoidable:’ GOP Senators call out Democrats over government shutdown

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and other Republican leaders in the Senate held a press conference in the halls of Capitol Hill ahead of a looming government shutdown deadline. Thune called a potential shutdown, “totally avoidable.“ “I’m hoping there are Democrats out there who are reasonable and understand what’s at stake here,“ Thune said. “We are not going to be held hostage for over $1 trillion in new spending on a continuing resolution. Nor are we going to be held hostage to allow illegals to get free health care,“ Thune added. A shutdown could begin at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday if no deal is reached. Key services like Social Security and military operations would continue. Furloughed federal workers are guaranteed back pay under law. Republicans have proposed a short-term funding bill to keep the government running through Nov. 21, but Democrats are pushing for changes tied to health care. They want to reverse Medicaid cuts from President Donald Trump’s legislation and extend tax credits that lower insurance premiums for millions who buy coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Republicans have dismissed the demands as a non-starter. Neither side appears willing to budge, and the House isn’t expected to hold any votes this week. Subscribe to LiveNOW from FOX! Where to watch LiveNOW from FOX: Follow us @LiveNOWFOX on Twitter: Raw and unfiltered. Watch a non-stop stream of breaking news, live events and stories across the nation. Limited commentary. No opinion. Experience LiveNOW from FOX.