In an interview with Scripps News, Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly said President Donald Trump has not spent enough time trying to end the government shutdown, as Kelly’s Democratic colleagues urge negotiations.

Kelly said Democrats are willing to reopen the government but that lowering the cost of health care remains a priority for the party. The shutdown reached its 36th day on Wednesday, the longest in U.S. history.

Although Republicans hold majorities in the House and Senate, their 53-member caucus is not enough to break a 60-vote filibuster in the Senate. The GOP needs at least seven Democrats to support what Republicans call a “clean” continuing resolution, which would continue funding the government.

Democrats point to reductions in tax subsidies enacted during the COVID-19 pa

See Full Page