Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
A government shutdown is looking more likely as hardliners in both parties dig in, meaning Congress may not have the votes to pass a spending bill by the end of the week. But again, it's only Wednesday, and there's going to be strong pressure to not let federal funding lapse.
What we're watching: Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus are saying they won't back the bill, meaning Republican leaders will need help from Democrats who say they won't offer it. The Democratic base is pressuring its members to hold the line on immigration — and get a solution to DACA included in any spending bill.
What they're saying:
- Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows: "I have not talked with the President...If the President outline[d] a plan on how this [spending bill] will be different than the last three then of course it would matter."
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Wednesday there's broad opposition to the spending bill among Democrats