Senators Push for Weekend Talks as Government Shutdown Drags On

Senators are convening over the weekend for the first time since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2023. Their aim is to reach a bipartisan agreement amid growing concerns about the impact of the shutdown on federal workers and essential services. The impasse has now extended for 39 days, leaving many federal employees unpaid, causing flight cancellations, and delaying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans.

As discussions commenced on Saturday, it remained unclear whether any progress could be made between Republicans and Democrats. President Donald Trump indicated he is unlikely to compromise with Democrats, particularly regarding their demand for an extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. He criticized the current healthcare system on social media, describing it as “the worst Healthcare anywhere in the world,” and suggested that Congress should consider sending money directly to individuals to purchase insurance.

Senate Republican leaders have shown some willingness to explore a proposal from a small group of moderate Democrats aimed at ending the shutdown. This proposal would allow for a later vote on the Affordable Care Act subsidies, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire leading the discussions among moderates. She emphasized that Democrats “need another path forward” after an earlier offer from Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was rejected. That proposal sought to reopen the government while extending health care subsidies for a year.

Moderates are currently negotiating a legislative package that would fund critical government operations, including food aid and veterans programs, while extending funding for other areas until December or January. This agreement would hinge on a future health care vote rather than an outright guarantee of extended subsidies. The level of support for this plan within the Democratic caucus remains uncertain.

Even if an agreement is reached, President Trump appears unlikely to back an extension of health benefits. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has also indicated he would not commit to a health care vote. Republican leaders require only five additional votes to fund the government, and the negotiating group includes between ten to twelve Democratic senators.

Some Republicans have expressed openness to extending the COVID-19-era tax credits, noting that without action, premiums could rise sharply for millions. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota noted that discussions with Democrats have been constructive.

Trump’s administration is pushing for a swift end to the shutdown, advocating for the elimination of the filibuster, which necessitates a supermajority of 60 Senate votes for most legislation. Vice President JD Vance, a former senator from Ohio, supported this shift in an online post, asserting that Republicans favoring the filibuster are “wrong.”

Despite Trump’s pressure, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota is considering a bipartisan package that aligns with the moderate Democrats’ proposal. The specifics of what Thune might offer regarding health care remain unclear. This package would replace a House bill that has been rejected by Democrats fourteen times since the shutdown began.

A pivotal test vote on new legislation could occur within the next few days, depending on whether Thune decides to proceed. This situation presents Democrats with a crucial choice: they can either continue to advocate for a substantial deal concerning the subsidies, which are set to expire in January, or vote to reopen the government while banking on Republicans’ promise of a future health care vote.

After a caucus meeting on Thursday, many Democrats indicated they would prefer to hold out for negotiations with Trump and Republican leaders. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii remarked that without a health care provision, the likelihood of a successful vote is low. Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who aligns with the Democratic caucus, urged party members to remain firm in their demands for an extension of the subsidies following significant Democratic victories in recent elections.

As the weekend progresses, all eyes remain on the Senate, where the stakes continue to rise for millions affected by the ongoing shutdown.