WASHINGTON – As the shutdown drags on, President Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to go around Democrats to break an impasse with growing ramifications, with millions of Americans poised to lose federal food assistance.

Trump called for an end to the Senate's filibuster rule in an Oct. 30 social media post , saying it's time to deploy the "nuclear option." The filibuster requires 60 votes to pass most Senate legislation, instead of a simple 51-vote majority. That has allowed Democrats to block a GOP government funding bill as they demand any legislation to reopen the government include an extension of federal health care subsidies.

"It is now time for the Republicans to play their “TRUMP CARD,” and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get

See Full Page