Republican Senate leader still sees chance government won't shut down - report

Senator John Thune believes a government shutdown is "avoidable," despite President Trump's statement suggesting that a shutdown may happen if necessary, as federal funding is set to expire on September 30.

A proposed Republican plan to extend government funding until November 21 was rejected by Democrats, who instead aim to restore Medicaid cuts and extend subsidies for Affordable Care Act premiums.

Trump expressed skepticism about productive discussions with Democrats by canceling a meeting, leading to instructions for federal agencies to prepare for layoffs in the event of a shutdown.

Government Shutdown Outlook: A Path Forward?

Senator John Thune (R-SD) has stated that a government shutdown remains "avoidable," despite President Donald Trump's warning that the government may close "if it has to." The federal funding expires on September 30, coinciding with the end of the fiscal year.

A proposed Republican plan to maintain funding until November 21 was rejected, as Democrats chose not to support it. Instead, Democrats are focused on reinstating Medicaid cuts introduced in Trump's recent tax and spending legislation, as well as extending subsidies for Affordable Care Act premiums.

Thune expressed optimism in a recent interview with The Associated Press, saying, “I firmly believe there’s always a solution. There are alternative routes available, but the current negotiation stance from the Democrats seems unlikely to lead to that outcome.”

During a press conference at the White House, Trump remarked, "If it has to shut down, it'll have to shut down," as reported by Bloomberg News.

Earlier in the week, Trump had canceled a scheduled meeting with Democratic leaders, indicating that he did not foresee any beneficial discussions arising from it. Subsequently, the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare for potential layoffs should the government cease operations on October 1.

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