President Donald Trump said Republicans shouldn't "bother" dealing with Democrats to approve legislation funding the federal government.
"We will get it through because the Republicans are sticking together for the first time in a long time," Trump told "Fox & Friends."
Democrat congressional leaders are refusing to support spending bills that do not include their healthcare priorities.
"There is something wrong with them," Trump said. "If you gave them every dream right now, ... they want to give away money to this or that and destroy the country. If you gave them every dream, they would not vote for it.
"We have to get Republican votes. That's all," he added.
When asked about the 60-vote threshold, Trump responded: "No. We're gonna do a — probably a continuing resolution, or we're gonna do something. So we're gonna do something.
"Here is the problem the Democrats have: They're sick. There is something wrong with them. [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer is at end of the rope."
Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate while Democrats hold 45. For most bills, 60 votes are needed to shut off delaying tactics, known as filibusters, and bring bills to a final vote.
Schumer, D-N.Y., on Friday said he and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., are united in opposing any legislation that doesn't include key healthcare provisions and a commitment not to roll them back.
He said that the country is in a different place than it was in March when he argued against a shutdown and that he believes Republicans and Trump will be held responsible if they don't negotiate a bipartisan deal.
Republicans are considering a short-term stopgap spending measure to avoid a Sept. 30 shutdown and as Democrats face what most see as two tough choices if the parties can’t negotiate a deal — vote with Republicans to keep the government open or let it close indefinitely with no clear exit plan.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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