JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., (WJHL) - The Senate is at a standstill over a short-term budget plan as a government shutdown nears.

The Republican proposed budget plan would keep the government funded until Nov. 21, but Senate Democrats argue it doesn't meet their concerns regarding health care benefits cut by the "Big Beautiful Bill" earlier this year.

Southwest Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith, a Republican, said the Democrats' point of view is escalating the situation.

"I think it's very serious because of the Democrats in the Senate," he said. "The House passed a bill that would keep the government from shutting down, but the senators are blocking this. Sen. Schumer, I believe, because he wants to make his base happy, has decided he wants the Schumer shutdown. He wants to show he's fighti

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