Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellHawley warns Schumer to steer clear of Catholic-based criticisms of Barrett Senate GOP set to vote on Trump's Supreme Court pick before election Harris slams Trump's Supreme Court pick as an attempt to 'destroy the Affordable Care Act' MORE (R-Ky.) knocked Democrats on Thursday, accusing them of holding up government funding talks days ahead of the shutdown deadline.

McConnell, speaking from the Senate floor, accused Democrats of trying to force another continuing resolution (CR), which would extend fiscal 2019 spending levels.

“The story is the same as it’s been for months. Partisan policy demands, poison pills, exactly the playbook that the Speaker of the House and the Democratic leader had explicitly promised months ago in writing that they would not use to sabotage appropriations,” McConnell said.

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The Senate GOP leader accused Democrats of trying to restrict President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden says voters should choose who nominates Supreme Court justice Trump, Biden will not shake hands at first debate due to COVID-19 Pelosi: Trump Supreme Court pick 'threatens' Affordable Care Act MORE’s ability to shift defense money to the border wall. Republicans view such demands as “poison pills,” provisions that are considered non-starters by one party.

“Even in mid-December they are still using those tactics to jeopardize all of our progress. It doesn’t have to end this way,” McConnell said

McConnell’s comments come as top negotiators are holding a round of crucial closed-door talks Thursday.

The top leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations committees met Thursday to try to narrow their differences on the fiscal 2020 bills.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby Richard Craig ShelbyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election Senate to push funding bill vote up against shutdown deadline Senate GOP eyes early exit MORE (R-Ala.) said after the meeting that they were making progress but it would be difficult to reach an agreement in principle on Thursday.

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“We’re talking seriously,” Shelby said.

Asked if he was making process, he added “on some things.”

“It would be hard. It’s very difficult,” Shelby said, asked if it was realistic to get a handshake deal today.

Shelby, House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey Nita Sue LoweyTop House Democrats call for watchdog probe into Pompeo's Jerusalem speech With Biden, advocates sense momentum for lifting abortion funding ban Progressives look to flex their muscle in next Congress after primary wins MORE (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPelosi: Trump Supreme Court pick 'threatens' Affordable Care Act Sunday shows preview: Lawmakers prepare for SCOTUS confirmation hearings before election Will Democrats attempt to pack the Supreme Court again? MORE (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Steven Terner MnuchinCentrist Democrats got their COVID bill, now they want a vote The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline MORE are meeting later Thursday.