Brendan Boyle: Government shutdown a ‘realistic possibility’

As most people on Capitol Hill downplay the possibility of a government shutdown, one House Democrat said Monday that it’s a very real possibility.

“I think it’s a much more realistic possibility than people recognize,” Rep. Brendan Boyle said on Fox Business.

The Pennsylvania Democrat said there are “real challenges” for Republicans in getting their caucus together on the issues necessary to pass the spending bill before Friday at midnight. The White House’s request for funding towards the border wall could be a hangup for congressional members of both parties if it is in the bill.

“I think there are real challenges again on the Republican side from more doctrinaire Freedom Caucus members and maybe more of the moderate members,” Mr. Boyle said.

Mr. Boyle argued that it’s not his party that will hold up the spending measure since House Republicans have the votes needed without Democratic support, but said the possibility of a shutdown will depend on Republicans being able to come together on a bill.