GOP Dares Senate Democrats to Tank Gov't Funding Bill; Rubio Heads to Canada for G7 Summit

With a shutdown looming, Republicans are daring Senate Democrats to tank their short-term government funding bill. The House has already voted in favor of the bill. To avert a government shutdown, the Senate must also vote to extend funding by Friday’s deadline.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Quebec, Canada, for a G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting. Key talks will likely focus on Rubio’s recent discussions with Ukrainian officials about a 30-day cease-fire. However, U.S. tariffs on Canada have sparked tensions. Meanwhile, a U.S. delegation is heading to Moscow to discuss the cease-fire.

President Trump and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at the White House on Wednesday with the traditional shamrock presentation. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says Trump will impose tariffs on copper. And following Trump’s new trade measures, Canada responded by imposing tariffs on $20 billion worth of goods.