UPDATE: Senate Democrats have just blocked a Republican-led measure to reopen the federal government for the 14th time, ensuring that the ongoing shutdown will break the record for the longest in U.S. history. Today marks day 35 of this standoff, with lawmakers unable to reach an agreement, as tensions flare over healthcare policies and spending priorities.
This morning, the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) was once again turned away, with Democrats insisting they will not reopen the government without a concrete deal on expiring Obamacare subsidies. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pointed fingers at Republicans and President Donald Trump, accusing them of burdening Americans with increasing healthcare costs.
“The only plan Republicans have for healthcare seems to be to eliminate it, and then to tell working people to go figure it out on their own,”
Schumer stated emphatically on the Senate floor. “That’s not a healthcare plan. That’s cruel.”
Despite Schumer’s firm stance, fatigue is setting in among Senate Democrats. Reports indicate that nearly a dozen members met privately last night to discuss potential solutions for ending the stalemate. In a contrasting tone, Senate Minority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that while the shutdown may soon conclude, it likely won’t be resolved before the week’s end.
“The pressures, the cross pressures that everybody’s feeling, are great,” Thune remarked, acknowledging the pain inflicted on the American public. “It’s time to end it.”
Republicans have presented multiple proposals, including a commitment to vote on the Obamacare subsidies once the government reopens. However, with the current CR set to expire on November 21, lawmakers are racing against time to pass broader spending measures. Some members have proposed extending the resolution into December or January to avert another shutdown, while others are considering a smaller “minibus” of spending bills tied to the next CR.
Senator Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who is involved in bipartisan discussions, urged Democrats to take action, stating, “Bottom line is they can stop all this with one vote and get back to work on a bipartisan basis.”
Additionally, Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has suggested a two-year extension of the Obamacare subsidies as a possible compromise. However, she noted that significant reforms are unlikely, given that insurers have already released new rates.
Amidst the ongoing negotiations, some Senate Democrats are voicing frustration over Trump’s lack of engagement. Reports indicate that Trump has refused to meet with Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., until the government reopens while urging Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster to push their agenda.
“At no point since October 1 has Donald Trump agreed to sit down with Democratic leaders,” Senator Andy Kim, D-N.J., criticized. “If he’s got time to tweet, he’s got time to just come and talk to us.”
As the shutdown lingers into record territory, both parties are feeling the increasing public frustration. However, neither side appears poised to make the first move toward resolution. The pressure is mounting, and with the situation evolving rapidly, citizens are left wondering when this impasse will finally come to an end.
