US Government Shutdown Expected to Conclude This Week, Says Hassett

The ongoing federal government shutdown in the United States, which has lasted for 20 days, is anticipated to conclude this week. This statement was made by White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett during an interview on CNBC on October 20, 2023. Hassett referred to the situation as the “Schumer shutdown,” a term aimed at Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, indicating a view that the impasse has been politically motivated.

Hassett, who serves as the director of the National Economic Council, noted that discussions among senators suggest that it would be politically disadvantageous for Democrats to reopen the government before the recently concluded No Kings rallies. These protests, which took place across the country, attracted a wide demographic of participants voicing their concerns about perceived authoritarianism and corruption under President Donald Trump.

With the rallies now over, Hassett expressed optimism that a resolution might be reached soon. He stated, “I think that now there’s a shot that this week things will come together.” The economic adviser highlighted that moderates in the Senate have indicated a reluctance to act while protests were active, suggesting a shift may now be possible.

In the event that negotiations do not yield results, the White House is prepared to explore further budgetary measures. Hassett mentioned that if the shutdown continues, he, alongside Russ Vought, the White House budget director, would closely examine “stronger measures” to address the situation. This could involve additional cost-cutting actions to alleviate the financial strain caused by the shutdown.

The current deadlock has prompted discussions about the potential impacts on federal services and the economy. As negotiations progress, the focus will remain on how both parties can navigate the political landscape to achieve a resolution that satisfies stakeholders on both sides.

As the week unfolds, the situation will be monitored closely, with implications for federal employees and services hanging in the balance. The resolution of the shutdown remains a pressing concern, with officials and citizens alike awaiting a definitive outcome.