Congress scrambles to avert government shutdown

(FOX5NY.COM) - Republicans in the U.S. House are urging Democrats in the Senate to follow their lead and pass a temporary spending measure to keep the federal government operating past a Friday budget deadline.

"We sincerely hope that Senator Schumer will abandon this shutdown strategy, help us keep the government open, help us keep our military funded," House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, said. "Let's continue to work together in good faith—that is the choice they have to make."

The government runs out of money midnight Friday into Saturday unless Congress passes a spending bill.

The House continuing resolution is facing slimmer chances in the Senate because Democrats want to block it until they get what they want on immigration.

"This is the fourth C.R. that we have done and accomplished nothing," Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said. "There is no promise and no likelihood that another kicking of the can down the road will get something done."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, urged Democrats to put immigration aside for now and approve the temporary spending measure.

Before the House even voted Thursday night, President Donald Trump was already putting the blame on Democrats.

"I really believe the Democrats want a shutdown to get off the subject of the tax cuts because they worked so well," Trump said. "Nobody thought, including the Democrats, they could work this well."

Trump touted his accomplishments during a speech in Pennsylvania Thursday afternoon. This was his first trip since signing tax reform into law.

The House temporary spending plan funds the government through February 16, delays Obamacare taxes, and fully funds the Children's Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP, for six years.

A deal is just what Congress needs to come up with and fast otherwise the government will run out of money. That could be costly in more ways than one and for both parties facing midterm elections this year.