US Senate Democrats met behind closed doors on 28 September to discuss the looming government shutdown and the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema have been vocal about their opposition to the larger $3.5 trillion package aimed at addressing climate change and expanding social programs. Despite their opposition, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is optimistic about reaching an agreement. Senator Manchin has proposed a $1.5 trillion price tag for the bill, which is significantly lower than what his colleagues want. The Senate must pass a bill to keep the government funded past 30 September and raise the debt limit before mid-October to avoid economic catastrophe.
Find out more about the efforts of Senate Democrats to avert a government shutdown and the internal disputes over the $3.5 trillion package. Click the link below to read about the negotiations and the key players involved. Discover the potential consequences of not raising the debt limit and the importance of reaching an agreement for the future of the US economy.