- Kevin Hassett says the government shutdown could end “sometime this week.”
- White House warns it may take “stronger measures” if Democrats don’t act.
- Health-care funding and political optics remain key obstacles in talks.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Monday that the ongoing government shutdown “is likely to end sometime this week,” offering one of the most optimistic forecasts yet from the White House. Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Hassett suggested that moderate Democrats could soon push to reopen the government after a string of political protests over the weekend.
Political Pressure Builds on Both Sides
The shutdown, now entering its third week, has left federal agencies stalled and thousands of workers furloughed. Republicans are pushing for a short-term funding resolution to keep the government running at current levels, while Democrats insist any deal must include extended Affordable Care Act tax credits and healthcare protections. Hassett claimed that Democratic leaders had delayed action for “political optics” tied to the nationwide “No Kings” protests aimed at President Trump, but hinted that negotiations may finally be shifting.
Threat of “Stronger Measures”
While projecting confidence that the standoff could soon end, Hassett warned that the White House might impose “stronger measures” if talks continue to stall. He said President Trump remains involved but believes the Senate must ultimately resolve the funding impasse. “If things don’t move this week, the White House and [budget chief Russell] Vought will need to look very closely at stronger measures to bring them to the table,” Hassett said, without specifying what those steps might be.
Democrats Hold Firm on Health Care
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have so far resisted Republican proposals. Polls suggest most voters blame the GOP for the shutdown while broadly supporting Democrats’ healthcare demands. Schumer told reporters earlier this month that “every day gets better for us” as pressure mounts on Republicans. Meanwhile, some Senate moderates have floated extending Obamacare tax credits as a compromise, though no formal progress has been made.
