Copyright Bloomberg
The White House on Monday expressed support for a deal between Republicans and eight Senate Democrats who broke ranks with their party to propose an end to the government shutdown. In doing so, they are giving up on the demand that the GOP lift a deadline that will soon leave millions of Americans unable to afford healthcare. While Republicans took a victory lap, the eight senators, including Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, were pilloried by fellow Democrats and party leaders for what some called a “betrayal.” Even the daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Congressional candidate Stefany Shaheen, reportedly assailed her mother’s decision. Democrats have accused President Donald Trump of cutting off food assistance to millions of Americans and reducing domestic air travel as leverage in the longest government shutdown in US history. The administration contends the shutdown forced it to reduce spending and guarantee safe air travel amid staffing shortages.
