Schumer Shuts Down GOP Shutdown Alternative

Democrats are pushing back on a GOP plan that would include long-term military spending in a short-term spending bill to keep the government open after Thursday.

Shortly after it was reported House Republicans were going to discuss the proposal Monday night, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he opposes the idea.

"Sending a cromnibus to the Senate, one that just funded defense and cut programs crucial to the middle class, would be barreling head-first into a dead-end," Schumer said, according to The Hill.

"There's no way we'll reach an agreement that can pass the Senate. And it would jeopardize the positive discussions going on right now about the budget, immigration, disaster aid, and more."

Lawmakers must pass a spending measure by Thursday night in order to keep the government funded. If an agreement cannot be reached, the government will shut down — just as it did for three days last month.

The House is expected to vote on something as soon as Tuesday.

• Ken Blackwell: No Federal Shutdown Next Week
• Tim Ryan: Dems Needed a Better Plan Entering Shutdown