Democrats rush to make deal with Republicans and prevent looming shutdown – live | US news

09:58
Looks as if Mitch McConnell is suggesting to reporters that he’s not a fan of the push from Home Republicans to use the federal government shutdown as a bargaining chip in opposition to the federal vaccine mandate. McConnell is saying that the courts will seemingly strike down the mandate, and utilizing a shutdown to deal with it’ll “create chaos and uncertainty”.
Chad Pergram
(@ChadPergram)On Fox, McConnell says “there is a respectable probability the courts” will strike down vaccine mandates. “I do not assume shutting down the federal government over this difficulty goes to get an final result. It is solely going to create chaos and uncertainty.”
That is the primary time that McConnell has spoken concerning the proposition from Home Republicans.
09:38
News of the departure of Symone Sanders, Kamala Harris’ chief spokesperson and senior adviser, has additional confirmed reviews that the vp’s workplace is beset with inner issues, with Sanders being the second high-profile exit over the previous couple of weeks.
Some reports from as early as this summer season say that Harris’ workplace has been experiencing low morale and poor communication between aides and high officers.
Sanders despatched an e-mail to workplace employees final night time about her exit, with Harris’ chief of employees Tina Flournoy saying that Sanders instructed Harris “a few months in the past” she can be leaving her submit on the finish of the 12 months, in accordance to Politico, which first reported her exit.
Sanders has labored with Joe Biden and Harris for over three years, first engaged on Biden’s presidential marketing campaign.
Ashley Etienne, Harris’ chief of communications, introduced her departure in November. Two others – Harris’ director of press operation and her deputy director in her communications division – have additionally instructed others that they’re departing, in accordance to the Washington Post.

Symone Sanders {Photograph}: Matt Rourke/AP
09:11
The Home guidelines committee simply added to their already-scheduled 9.30am assembly this morning an merchandise to focus on a stopgap invoice that will briefly lengthen the present degree of presidency funding to not less than February. It looks as if Home Democrats are actually gunning to get the ball rolling – and for good purpose: the longer they stall the invoice, the nearer a authorities shutdown is.
Home Committee on Guidelines
(@RulesDemocrats)The committee may also meet on H.R. 6119—Additional Extending Authorities Funding Act https://t.co/OBGdDOCPgh
Up to date
08:55
Good morning, and welcome to as we speak’s politics live weblog.
Democrats in Congress are speeding as we speak to make a deal with Republicans that will prevent a looming authorities shutdown. Talks between Home Democrats and Republicans stalled yesterday over a stopgap spending invoice that will briefly lengthen the present degree of presidency funding.
One other potential stalemate popped up on Wednesday when a gaggle of Home Republicans inspired their colleagues within the Senate to use the potential shutdown as a bargaining chip. They’re encouraging Senate Republicans to block the stopgap measure except Democrats agree not to direct cash towards implementing the federal vaccine mandate for big firms. Republican Home and Senate leaders haven’t commented on the proposal.
Right here’s what else we’re maintaining a tally of as we speak:
- Joe Biden will unveil new federal actions to fight the coronavirus later as we speak. Biden is predicted to lengthen the federal masks mandate in addition to require worldwide vacationers to be examined earlier than coming into the US.
- Symone Sanders, a senior adviser and chief spokesperson for Kamala Harris, is reportedly planning to depart from her position on the finish of the 12 months. Her exit would be the second in Harris’ communication group in current weeks.
Keep tuned for extra live updates.