US President Donald Trump on Wednesday lashed out at Senate Republicans to end the government shutdown, now the longest ever, blaming the record-breaking impasse for the party’s defeat in closely-watched elections while Democrats emboldened by their off-year victories dug in for a fight.
Trump, whose first term at the White House set the previous government shutdown record, said this one was a big factor, negative in Tuesday’s races. He repeated his demands for Republicans to end the Senate filibuster as a way to reopen government — something senators have refused to do.
Buoyed by their electoral wins, the Democrats also hardened their resolve. The Democratic leaders said it’s time for Trump to get serious about negotiating an end to the stalemate. They demanded he get off the sidelines and meet with the congressional leaders to resolve the problem of expiring healthcare subsidies that are central to the debate.
The election results ought to send a much needed bolt of lightning to