Washington, Oct 6 (EFE).-
Proposals by Democrats and Republicans to find temporary funding failed again on Monday, leaving the federal government shutdown in place, affecting more than 1.3 million workers from various state agencies.
With a vote of 52 in favor and 42 against, the Republican bill to end the government shutdown failed again, as did the Democratic proposal minutes earlier, as neither obtained the 60 votes required.
This is the fifth failed vote; Republicans voted against accepting the proposal of their opponents, who are trying to focus funding on extending healthcare subsidies, which expire this year, a program that President Donald Trump’s administration has accused, without evidence, of benefiting undocumented immigrants.
The Republican proposal was supported again by Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and John Fetterman, as well as independent Senator Angus King, but it was not enough to reach the required 60 votes.
Republican Rand Paul was the only member of the majority who voted against it.
After the failed vote, the federal government shutdown will be extended for another day, keeping more than 700,000 employees of various government agencies suspended from their jobs and another 700,000 working without pay.
The president said at the White House that “good things” could happen, referring to possible negotiations for the financing of medical assistance in the country to end the shutdown.
However, Democratic representatives assured that there are no formal negotiations with the White House, but that they are willing to sit down at the table.
The shutdown, if prolonged, could be used to lay off employees who are not considered essential, according to the order issued by the administration to various agencies last week.
The Treasury Department warned on Monday that the absence of air traffic controllers at their posts began to cause problems this week, and fears that more workers will report sick, affecting flights. EFE dte/mcd
