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Chuck Schumer, the best Democrat in the US Senate, said that he would support a republican bill for financing stops, increasing the probability that Congress avoids the risk of closing the government.
There was a risk that President Donald Trump and near Elon Musk advisor to use a closure – which will take place early on Saturday if a funding measure is not adopted – as an executive takeover, Schumer Said Thursday in the prosecution of the Senate.
Although the “bill is very bad, the potential of a closure has consequences for America which are much worse,” he said. “Allow Donald Trump Taking even more power via a government closure is a worse option. »»
Schumer said that a closure could give Musk and his so-called Ministry of Government Effectiveness (DOGE) accelerate their cost cutting frenzy With fewer checks on their power.
“First, a closure would give Donald Trump and Elon Musk Carte Blanche to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate than they can at the moment,” said the head of the Senate minority.
“Under closing, the Trump administration would fully have the power to consider entire agencies, non -essential programs and staff and staff on leave without any promise that they would never be rehired. The decision on what is essential would only be left to the executive branch with a person left in the agencies to verify them. »»
The Democrats of the Congress spent several days behind closed doors during the strategy. Wednesday, Democrats du Senate, led by Schumer, had excluded support The republican bill, known as a continuous resolution.
Although the Republicans control the Senate, they do not have the “supermajority” necessary to overcome an attempted parties. At least seven democrats should help the Republicans open the way to the adoption of the bill, which cleaned the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Schumer’s support will probably encourage other Democratic senators to support the measurement of stopping stages, but it was not immediately clear if enough to accept it.
Trump said that he would blame the Democrats for any closure: “If they closed, it is not the fault of the Republicans” and “There is something that is wrong with them. They are disturbed, “he said in the oval office on Thursday. He also offered Republicans his help, saying, “If they need me, I’m here”.
Earlier Thursday, the Senators of Arizona Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, the two Democrats, said that they would vote against the bill to a vote, also quoting the potential for Trump and Musk to take advantage of the situation.
Democratic senator John Fetterman said he would vote for the House bill, while Republican Senator Rand Paul said he would oppose it.
The Chamber’s bill would extend funding at current levels until September 30, reducing certain defenseless expenses, while strengthening it in defense and in application of immigration.
Without funding, the government would close at 12:01 p.m. on Saturday. The “non -essential” functions would be suspended, in particular national parks, environmental and food inspections and the internal income service. Hundreds of thousands of workers could be duned.
