Virginia lawmakers weigh in on potential government shutdown

(WSET) — Time is running out on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers have just two days left to reach a deal on government funding, or they’ll face a shutdown starting Wednesday.

So far, efforts to avoid a shutdown have stalled. House Republicans passed a short-term bill to fund the government through November 21, but it failed in the Senate. Democrats are pushing back, citing concerns over cuts to health care programs.

President Trump was expected to meet with Democratic leaders last Wednesday, but he cancelled that meeting.

Senator Tim Kaine said Democrats believe their funding proposal will serve Americans best.

“We have an alternative that we think is a good alternative, not just for Democrats but for Republicans too. It’s directly responsive to some concerns that Republican members had raised about health care cuts,” Kaine said.

Kaine said that in past years, the relationship between Congress and the White House has been rooted in dialogue, and he hopes that remains true in this situation.

On the other side of the aisle, U.S. Representative John McGuire echoed that sentiment. He said Republicans are doing everything they can to avoid a shutdown.

“Well, I hope they’ll come to the realization that it’s not about ‘me’, it’s about we the people, and that they put we the people first,” McGuire said.

McGuire said he understands a government shutdown would impact many Americans, and he hopes a resolution can be reached to ease the stress on families across the country.

President Trump is now set to meet with Democratic leaders on Monday to discuss a compromise that could prevent a government shutdown.