McConnell: We’re not going to let government shut down

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) vowed to reporters Monday that Senate Republicans would not tolerate a government shutdown, and later told colleagues on the floor that a government shutdown would be a political defeat for his colleagues. I warned you.

“I’m not going to allow a government shutdown,” McConnell told reporters Monday as he headed to the Senate floor for his opening comments this week.

The veteran Republican leader doubled down on his message on the Senate floor, imploring his colleagues to avoid confrontations that could lead to shutdowns of federal departments.

“If we don’t act by Friday, our nation will face unnecessary disruption to critical services in agriculture, transportation, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs,” McConnell told the House. He warned his colleagues in the chamber over comments that appeared to have been made by him.

“So let me be the first to say what I say every time Congress is faced with this threat: Government shutdowns are harmful to the country. And they never produce positive outcomes in terms of policy or politics. “It doesn’t happen,” he said.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said some “substantive” differences remain between Democratic and Republican negotiators in both chambers. .

“You may hear some chatter, but I think we’re making real progress. I spoke with the chairman today and I’ve been in touch with the staff and my colleagues on the defense subcommittee,” Mike Johnson said. She said, referring to conversations with the Speaker (R-La.) and colleagues at the appropriations fund. panel.

He said negotiations over some of the policy riders that House conservatives want to add to the package have been elevated to the “leadership” level.

“I’m hopeful that we can avoid a disastrous government shutdown and actually move some bills this week. What I’m not confident about is moving the agreed conference report. “What exactly are the plans?” she said. “And which bills are in which packages.”