US Senate Majority Leader Rejects Democrats’ Offer to Reopen Government
TL/DR –
US Senate Majority Leader John Thune has rejected a Democratic offer to extend expiring healthcare subsidies for a year and reopen the government, prolonging the government shutdown into its 38th day. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer proposed to reopen the government and simultaneously vote to extend healthcare subsidies as well as form a bipartisan committee to address changes to the Affordable Care Act. Thune indicated that Republicans would negotiate on healthcare after the government has been reopened, suggesting that the Democrats’ offer indicates they are “feeling the heat” over the ongoing shutdown.
US Senate Majority Leader Rejects Democratic Proposal amid Shutdown
US Senate Majority Leader John Thune promptly dismissed a Democratic proposal to reopen the US government and extend expiring healthcare subsidies for a year, labeling it a non-starter. This marked the 38th day of the government shutdown induced by partisan disagreements.
Senate Democratic Leader, Chuck Schumer, put forth this proposal, which is a narrow version of a broader proposal from Democrats to make health tax credits permanent and repeal Medicaid cuts enacted by Republicans.
Schumer proposed for Republicans to vote for ending the government shutdown and extending healthcare subsidies. He sought to create a bipartisan committee to address Republican demands for changes to the Affordable Care Act.
Moderates Continue to Negotiate
As party leaders disagreed, a small group of Democrats, led by New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, persisted in negotiating a deal to end the shutdown. They are discussing a bundle of bills to fund government sectors, including food aid and veterans programs, and extend funding for other areas till December or January.
However, the agreement’s outlines would only ensure a future healthcare vote, rather than the guaranteed extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, a condition many Democrats find unacceptable.
Republicans Eye New Package of Bills
Trump encouraged Republicans to end the shutdown rapidly and abolish the legislative filibuster, hoping to bypass Democrats and fund the government. He showed support for terminating the filibuster.
Thune, in contrast, is considering a bipartisan package reflecting the proposal moderate Democrats have been outlining. Uncertainty remains over Thune’s promises on healthcare.
A Choice for Democrats
If Thune decides to proceed, a test vote on new legislation might occur soon. Democrats must then decide whether to continue their fight for a significant deal on subsidies extension or vote to reopen the government, hoping for a future healthcare vote without a guaranteed outcome.
Johnson Delivers Setback to Bipartisan Talks
Democrats face pressure from unions eager for the shutdown to end and allied groups wanting them to stand firm. They argue that Democrat wins on Election Day demonstrate voter support for their fight. But Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, clarified that he wouldn’t promise a vote on a healthcare bill.
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