Summary
- White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the federal government shutdown is likely to end sometime this week.
- In the Senate, partisan differences continue over funding and additional spending.
- Hassett emphasized that if no agreement is reached, the administration could take more forceful measures.
Ahead of nationwide anti‑Trump 'No Kings' protests this weekend
"Likely to reach agreement with moderate Democrats"
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett predicted on the 20th (local time) that the federal government shutdown "is likely to end sometime this week."
Hassett told CNBC's 'Squawk Box' that if that does not happen, the Trump administration might take "stronger measures" to force Democratic cooperation.
This week marks the third week of the U.S. government shutdown. It is unclear when the partisan fight in the Senate over federal funding priorities will end.
Republicans are seeking to pass a short-term resolution to resume funding at current levels. Democrats are demanding the inclusion of additional spending for health protections, such as extending tax credits under Obamacare (ACA) that are set to expire at year-end, in a temporary bill.
Hassett said he had heard Democrats say that voting on a government reopening bill ahead of the 'No Kings (No Kings)' protests against President Trump across the United States this weekend would be a bad choice.
He said, "There is a chance things will move quickly this week," and "the Schumer government shutdown is likely to end sometime this week."
If not, "the White House, together with budget official Russell Vought, should closely consider strong measures that could be taken to bring them to the negotiating table," he said.
Contributing reporter Kim Jeong-a kja@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
