Talks are intensifying on Capitol Hill on reaching a deal on long-overdue legislation to finance the government through the end of September — and avoid a government shutdown, The Associated Press reports. But Connecticut’s governor says the state is bracing for the possibility.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Wednesday that, based on his administration’s assessment and feedback, Connecticut could weather a short-term, two- to three-week federal shutdown. But after that, Malloy expressed concern about the state’s ability to cope with a longer disruption.
“… It’s a real reminder that there are consequences if the political gamesmanship in Washington doesn’t end soon,” Malloy said in a statement.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s No. 3 Democrat, claimed “a glimmer of hope” Wednesday morning, based on late-night negotiations between Senate Democrats and House Republicans.
The White House was said to be trying to assess the extent of progress, if any, before setting up another meeting like the one President Barack Obama hosted on Tuesday. A White House official said an Obama-led meeting could happen Wednesday, if necessary, and that his trip to Pennsylvania would not interfere with it.
