Lawmakers call for negotiations to end government shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVNS) – Lawmakers have called for an end to the shutdown of the federal government, though Republicans and Democrats have still struggled to find common ground.

Democratic lawmakers have held firm to their insistence on affordable healthcare for Americans. President Trump has said there is nothing to negotiate, and many Republicans are following the president’s lead. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine said getting national leaders in a room together to work toward a solution would be the best way forward.

“If the Republicans have ideas about improvements, we know that what we are asking for,” said the senator. “It’s a negotiation. We want to see people protected from rising healthcare costs, and we’ve heard you say the same thing. So, let’s negotiate about how to do it.”

The government shutdown entered its second week, and many Americans have grown more concerned about economic prospects. Meanwhile, lawmakers in D.C. have remained deadlocked regarding how best to fund government operations going forward.