Mitch McConnell Blocks Bill to Re-open Government

Since taking over the House of Representatives, Democrats have tried tirelessly to end Trump’s government Shutdown. But if nothing else, Republicans have demonstrated unwavering support of their dear leader, Donald Trump, and they are united in making sure Americans suffer so that Trump can get his wall.

Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), surrounded by roughly two dozen of their Senate Democratic colleagues, tried to get consent to bring up a bill that would fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through Feb. 8, as well as a separate package that would fund the remaining agencies without current-year appropriations through Sept. 30.

But McConnell objected, arguing they would be “show votes” and saying that he and Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) made an “explicit commitment” to avoid such votes.

“The last thing we need to do right now is trade pointless – absolutely pointless – show votes back and forth across the aisle,” McConnell said. 

Under Senate rules, any senator can try to force a vote or pass a bill, but any one senator can block them.