Senate GOP leader Thune says shutdown likely unless Democrats 'dial back' healthcare demands

""I'm a big believer that there's always a way out," the South Dakota Republican said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. "And I think there are off-ramps here, but I don't think that the negotiating position, at least at the moment, that the Democrats are trying to exert here is going to get you there." Thune said Democrats are going to have to "dial back" their demands,"

""Their position remained the same even after the White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday released a memo that said agencies should consider a \"reduction in force\" for many federal programs if the government closes - meaning thousands of federal workers could be permanently laid off. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the OMB memo was simply an \"attempt at intimidation\""

""It's just the latest standoff in Washington over government funding, stretching back through several administrations. President Donald Trump was the driving force behind the longest shutdown ever during his first term, as he sought money for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. This time it is Democrats who are making demands as they face intense pressure from their core supporters to stand up to the Republican president and his policies.""

Senate Majority Leader John Thune calls Democratic health-care demands unserious and says a government shutdown remains avoidable. He urges Democrats to dial back requests such as immediately extending insurance subsidies and reversing health provisions in the Republican tax bill, warning failure to compromise could lead to a shutdown. The standoff follows past funding fights, including the longest shutdown under President Trump over a border wall. The White House OMB warned agencies to prepare for "reduction in force" plans if the government closes, potentially laying off thousands of federal workers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the memo an attempt at intimidation and predicted the firings would be overturned.

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