House Ways and Means Chairman criticizes Democrats for not attempting to reduce gov. spending

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) called on Democrats to join Republicans in trying to secure the southern border and reduce government spending. 

"The Senate has been trying to pass an appropriations bill for several weeks," Smith said on the Thursday edition of the "Just the News, No Noise" TV show. "They said they would pass it two weeks ago, yet they're not able to deliver."

"We're the only body that has cared about reducing this reckless spending and also securing our border," he added, referring to the House. "I wish one Democrat would just join with us in trying to reduce government spending and to secure our southern border."

On Thursday, the House had a botched vote on a defense spending package that upended the legislative agenda that was set through Saturday.

Congress has until Sept. 30 to fund the government or risk a shutdown.

Smith said that there are conversations happening behind the scenes and he has hope. 

"There's a lot of negotiating conversations going on," he said. "It doesn't stop and it hasn't stopped the nine months that we have been in the majority. So I feel very confident that we will get to a good place."