#shutdown-negotiations

#shutdown-negotiations

Still, confusion reigned inside the Democratic caucus on what kind of package Thune (R-S.D.) would ultimately bring to the floor, making it difficult for Democrats to settle on a final strategy. They insisted they need to know whether Thune will bring a standalone defense bill to the floor - or if he'll pair it with other appropriations packages. "If we have to vote with no clarity about that, I would vote against proceeding to the House defense approps bill," Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), an appropriator, told Axios on Wednesday.

"There have been some unforced errors, clearly," said one senior House GOP aide granted anonymity to speak candidly about Republicans' strategy so far.