ASN NEWS USA — SPECIAL REPORT
By ASN News Editorial Desk
WASHINGTON (ASN NEWS USA)— Four Senate Democrats drew a hard line Thursday: they will not back any short-term government funding deal that keeps paying for the war in Iran. With federal funding set to run out on December 11, the standoff raises the real possibility of another government shutdown.
Senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said in a joint statement that they “should not accept a short-term spending deal that continues to provide billions of additional dollars for President Trump’s war of choice.” Any package, they said, “must include language that restricts the Trump Administration from using appropriated funds to continue his war against Iran.”
A party still deciding how far to push
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia told reporters he also would not support a short-term continuing resolution unless it blocks money for the war. But Democratic leaders have not yet decided whether to risk a shutdown over the issue. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the party is discussing how — or whether — to use the December 11 deadline as leverage. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined Thursday to say whether Democrats would withhold support.
The fight comes weeks after the midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate and take power in January. For now, Republicans still need Democratic votes to clear the Senate filibuster, which gives the minority real leverage over the must-pass funding bill. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole has pushed back, saying Republicans will not send the president legislation he would veto.
The question now is whether the December deadline becomes the first big test of the new Democratic majority’s mandate — or a shutdown nobody wants.
Stay tuned to ASN News USA for updates as the funding fight heads toward December 11.
Reported by ASN News USA. Visit asnnewsusa.com or follow @ASNNewsUSA for updates.
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