Republicans are trying to shut down the government!

[Amishman]

5. Because we have the slimmest of margins and need them onboard

If we need them, we have to negotiate.

Technically we wouldn't need them if we want to do a slimmed down bill to only raise the ceiling - that can be done via reconciliation.

We do need them for all of the proposed bills however because we are also playing chicken and seeing if we can use this as leverage to get some other wants passed.