Sen. John McCain said Wednesday that he had no problems with shutting down the federal government if it ensured that the military spending increased in the next current budget talks.
"If that's the only option," the Arizona Republican, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CNN. "I will not vote for a [continuing resolution] no matter what the consequences.
"Passing a CR destroys the ability of the military to defend this nation, and it puts the lives of the men and women in the military at risk," he added. "I can't do that to them."
Talk of a continuing resolution, which maintains funding at current levels and avoids a government shutdown, comes as congressional leaders negotiate the remaining appropriations bills for fiscal year 2017.
McCain hopes that the legislation includes some increased spending for military operations. He has long advocated for more funds for the nation's defense operations.
Congress must reach a deal before the government runs out of money on April 28, CNN reports, and legislators will have a two-week recess for Easter next month.
A 16-day partial government shutdown in 2013 cost American taxpayers $1.4 billion.
McCain told the cable network that, while he has voted for continuing resolutions in the past, he will not this time.
"I will not vote for a CR," he said. "I don't care what's in it."
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