(COLORADO SPRINGS) — With just one day to go until the government possibly shuts down, lawmakers in Colorado are already preparing for the worst.
The bill to fund the government needs at least seven Democrats to vote with Republicans to overcome a Senate filibuster before midnight on Tuesday. Congressional leaders met with President Donald Trump for roughly an hour on Monday to negotiate a path forward, but afterwards, Vice President JD Vance said the government is likely heading into a shutdown.
Democrats are pushing for more funding for healthcare in the spending bill, including an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits, something Congressman Jeff Crank, who represents the Colorado Springs metro, says is a non-starter.
“Those are all fights that we can have down the road, but this is just to keep the government open between now and Nov. 21,” said Crank.
While congressional Democrats say these are issues that need to be addressed now, in order to avoid skyrockets in healthcare premiums for working Americans.
“Why can’t they, at least, reverse the harshest Medicaid cuts that are going to raise health insurance premiums for those getting health insurance through their employers?” said Jake Auchincloss (D-MA).
If the shutdown happens, Colorado’s approximately 41,000 federal employees and 36,000 active-duty military service members would not get paid. Crank said he is working to make sure VA services are not impacted.
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