Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appear to be on a collision course.
The two political heavyweights are locked in a heated battle over government funding for fiscal year 2020, with Pelosi rejecting McConnell’s proposal to pass a “clean” continuing resolution which would fund government operations through the end of the year without addressing the president’s proposed 2020 budget.
The disagreement between Pelosi and McConnell carries with it the risk of a government shutdown. The speaker has already dismissed McConnell’s proposal, citing the lack of appropriate funding for domestic and defense programs. Pelosi also accuses McConnell of playing politics with the nation’s finances, a charge the leader vehemently denies.
The feud between Pelosi and McConnell is indicative of the deep political divisions within Washington.
The two leaders have very different priorities; Pelosi has been a vocal advocate for increased spending on domestic programs, while McConnell is more focused on cutting the budget and balancing the federal deficit.
In addition to these differences, Pelosi and McConnell are also at odds over their respective efforts to fight the opioid crisis.
Pelosi has championed increased spending on programs to combat the epidemic, while McConnell wants to reduce spending.
The potential for a government shutdown looms large over this debate.
McConnell and other Republicans are calling for a short-term Continuing Resolution that would keep the government funded only through early December, while Pelosi and other Democrats are advocating for a resolution that would extend beyond the end of the fiscal year.
Ultimately, the fate of the government shutdown will depend on a compromise between Pelosi and McConnell.
Both sides are dug in and the battle appears poised to come down to the wire.
With both leaders refusing to budge, it remains to be seen whether Pelosi and McConnell will be able to reach an agreement before the end of the year.
Time will tell if the two political heavyweights can reach a deal, but for now, it looks like Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader McConnell will remain on a collision course.