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Some in Congress seek debt ceiling increase as part of government funding bill

Some members of Congress want to raise the debt ceiling as part of the newest continuing resolution to fund the government, according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

"The debt ceiling is something that some would want to see as part of this deal," Schumer told reporters Feb. 6 at a press conference. "We'll see what happens. Nothing has been agreed to on that part of the [budget] caps deal."

The Congressional Budget Office projects that the Treasury Department is likely to run out of cash during the first half of March. The House is set to vote the evening of Feb. 6 on a bill that would keep the government running until March 23.

Government funding negotiations have been riven by disagreements — between the parties and within them — on immigration issues. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he is committed to having an open debate on immigration in the Senate.

"Once we have established that the government is going to be open, we'll then go forward with an immigration debate," he said. "I'm not trying to tilt the playing field in any particular direction."

As senators discussed debate and deal-making on Capitol Hill, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that he would not have a problem with shutting down the government if an acceptable immigration compromise cannot be reached.

"If we don't change it, let's have a shutdown," Trump said. "We'll do a shutdown, and it's worth it for our country. I'd love to see a shutdown if we don't get this stuff taken care of."

Trump was challenged by a member of his own party when Barbara Comstock, a Virginia representative facing a tough re-election campaign, said there was no need for a shutdown over immigration.

"You can say what you want," Trump responded. "We are not getting support of the Democrats."