Thune Schedules Procedural Vote on Defense Appropriations Bill

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has scheduled an initial procedural vote Thursday on the House-passed defense appropriations bill, a move to pressure Democrats amid the federal government shutdown.

The shutdown has entered its third week with no end in sight as Republicans refuse to negotiate with Democrats over health insurance tax credits they are seeking to extend.

When asked by reporters Wednesday whether there are conversations among lawmakers about a shutdown exit ramp, said “there are.”