Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denies any bipartisan health care talks are underway despite President Trump’s recent claims of ongoing negotiations. In a statement on Monday, Schumer refuted Trump’s assertion that there was a ‘negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things’ regarding health care. Schumer clarified that ‘Trump’s claim isn’t true—but if he’s finally ready to work with Democrats, we’ll be at the table.’ This comes after Trump, in Oval Office comments to reporters, stated the administration was engaged in talks with Democrats on health care, though he did not specify with whom.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed concerns about the White House’s silence, noting that ‘neither Leader Schumer or myself have heard a word from the administration about resolving this issue’ since an Oval Office meeting a week prior. Both leaders have been vocal about the lack of progress on a resolution to the government shutdown, which has stalled negotiations around health care. Democrats have made extending expiring health insurance subsidies — available for insurance plans on Affordable Care Act exchanges — a central demand. However, Republicans insist they must first address the government shutdown before engaging in health care talks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier stated that Trump had not been engaging with Democrats amid the shutdown standoff. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson claimed he had spoken with Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democratic appropriator, about moving full-year spending bills, though Murray indicated she did not initiate the conversation. GOP senators noted that the White House is aware of the bipartisan group of senators seeking a way out of the shutdown. Despite the White House’s claims of ongoing conversations, Schumer remains firm, stating, ‘If President Trump and Republicans are finally ready to sit down and get something done in healthcare for American families, Democrats will be there — ready to make it happen.’