Odds of a Shutdown Grow

Caitlin Owens: “A government shutdown is looking more likely as hardliners in both parties dig in, meaning Congress may not have the votes to pass a spending bill by the end of the week. But again, it’s only Wednesday, and there’s going to be strong pressure to not let federal funding lapse.”

“Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus are saying they won’t back the bill, meaning Republican leaders will need help from Democrats who say they won’t offer it. The Democratic base is pressuring its members to hold the line on immigration — and get a solution to DACA included in any spending bill.”

Reuters reports President Trump said a federal government shutdown “could happen” by the end of the week, insisting that Democrats would be blamed if that happened.