Republican and Democratic lawmakers remain at an impasse on reopening the federal government with President Trump saying that layoffs are occurring.
Government shutdown enters sixth day as Republicans, Democrats remain at an impasse
WASHINGTON — Republican and Democratic lawmakers at an impasse on reopening the federal government provided few public signs Sunday of meaningful negotiations taking place to end what is about to be a six-day shutdown – with President Donald Trump saying that layoffs are occurring.
Asked on Sunday night when federal workers would be fired as he has threatened to do, Trump told reporters: « It’s taking place right now and it’s all because of the Democrats. »
« The Democrats are causing the loss of a lot of jobs », Trump added, declining to answer a question about which agencies are subject to the cuts.
The possibility of layoffs would escalate an already tense situation in which Washington lawmakers have struggled to find common ground and build mutual trust. Leaders in both parties are betting that public sentiment has swung their way, putting pressure on the other side to cave.
Democrats are insisting on renewing subsidies to cover health insurance costs for millions of households, while Trump wants to preserve existing spending levels as he believes that Democrats will have to cave because of the jobs and federal projects being put at risk.
The squabble comes at a moment of troubling economic uncertainty. While the U.S. economy has continued to grow this year, hiring has slowed and inflation remains elevated as Trump’s import taxes have created a series of disruptions for businesses and hurt confidence in his leadership. At the same time, there is a recognition that the nearly $2 trillion annual budget deficit is financially unsustainable.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, among those appearing on the Sunday news shows, said there have been no talks with Republican leaders since their White House meeting last Monday.
« And, unfortunately, since that point in time, Republicans, including Donald Trump, have gone radio silent », Jeffries said. « And what we’ve seen is negotiation through deepfake videos, the House canceling votes, and of course President Trump spending yesterday on the golf course. That’s not responsible behavior.
