Senate Democrats block 12th GOP attempt to reopen the federal government

Just over three weeks have gone by since Senate Democrats shut down the federal government by refusing to pass a continuing resolution.

Although GOP lawmakers attempted to restore funding on Wednesday afternoon, the move was quickly shot down. 

Oregon senator speaks for nearly 24 hours

Fox News reported that the Republican funding measure was supported by a majority of senators, with 54 voting in favor of it to 46 voting against.

However, the cable network pointed out that 60 votes are needed to overcome the filibuster rule, which was invoked by Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley.

Merkley, who spoke for nearly 24 hours beginning at 6:23 pm on Tuesday evening, accused Republicans of having “shut down the government to continue the strategy of slashing Americans’ healthcare.”

Fox News noted that this week’s spectacle represents the 12th time that Democrats have successfully managed to thwart a Republican attempt at resuming government business.

Trump will not meet with Democrats until government opens

It also reported that President Donald Trump expressed a willingness to meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY), but said he would only do so after the shutdown had ended.

“The government has to be open,” Trump was quoted as saying. “You know how long it will take for them to do that? Just say, ‘OK, government is open.’ That’s it. There is nothing — They’re not negotiating.”