New Development in the US Government Shutdown: First Clear Official Statement on When It Might End

The ongoing government shutdown in the United States “will probably end this week,” White House senior economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Monday.

Speaking to CNBC, National Economic Council Director Hassett said that if the shutdown isn't resolved by the end of this week, the Trump administration could take “stronger measures” to force Democrats to the table.

The shutdown has entered its third week due to a bipartisan dispute over federal funding. Republicans want to reopen the government by passing a short-term budget proposal at current spending levels, while Democrats insist it includes health care protections. Specifically, they are demanding an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year.

Hassett said Senate Democrats felt reopening the government before this week's massive anti-Trump “No Kings” protests would create a “negative image.”

“Now this week, things could come together and move very quickly,” Hassett said, adding that “moderate Democrats will step in to open the government and then policies can be negotiated in the normal order.”

Hassett blamed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for the shutdown, saying, “The Schumer shutdown is likely to end this week.” However, he noted that if the process were prolonged, the White House would “consider stronger measures” with Budget Director Russell Vought.

Hassett's remarks suggest Democrats are biding their time in fighting the shutdown. However, polls show that most voters blame Trump and Republicans for the impasse and strongly support extending ACA health insurance subsidies.

Schumer said earlier this month, “Every day is getting better for us because we have planned for this for a long time and we knew that healthcare would be the focus on September 30th.”