US Democrats reject bill to fund federal departments

WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (KUNA) -- Democratic members of the US Senate have rejected a bill to fund federal departments for seven days and avert forecast government shutdown on October 1.
The Democrats rebuffed the bill that stipulated funding the administration until November 21, with a majority of 48 votes vis vis 44 votes by the Republicans.
A minimum of 60 votes are required to pass the bill.
The futile voting led to sharp debates between the two camps on ways to avert the shutdown, after the Republicans foiled a draft resolution presented by the Democrats to finance the government until October 31.
The alternative draft law envisaged pardon of insurance taxes and retrieval of funds from the medical program for the limited income citizens.
The republicans are expected to campaign for re-voting on the 29th of the current month. (end) amm.rk