As the Senate approaches its final chance to avoid a government shutdown this week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is leveraging the potential of another failed vote on the Republican-led Continuing Resolution (CR) to pressure Democrats into a compromise. Thune, speaking to POLITICO, indicated that if the vote on the CR follows the pattern of previous attempts, the Senate will provide Democrats with a weekend to reconsider, with a potential resumption of voting on Monday. He expressed openness to meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, though the meeting’s timing hinges on Friday’s vote outcome and Schumer’s strategic objectives. Thune mentioned that he has had brief discussions with Schumer since Monday, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic efforts to navigate the impasse.
In parallel, Senate Democrats are convening for a caucus lunch to strategize their approach ahead of the fourth vote on the competing CRs this Friday afternoon. The situation is further complicated by the potential role of Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who has been involved in backchannel negotiations regarding Obamacare subsidies. Rounds views this Friday as a pivotal moment, hoping that a shutdown could force Democrats into a more expedient negotiation on health care reforms. His perspective is that a prolonged shutdown would limit the time available for a regular legislative process to address Democratic priorities.
A critical player in these negotiations is Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a seasoned appropriator nearing retirement who has been a key figure in bipartisan discussions on extending Obamacare tax credits. Shaheen, a former proponent of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, has become central in the talks, having previously supported a bipartisan effort to keep the government open in March. Thune remarked that Shaheen is ‘more in the reasonable caucus,’ indicating her potential role in facilitating a compromise. A confidential source noted that while Shaheen supports the broader Democratic agenda, she is also realistic about the achievable outcomes in the current negotiations.
Beyond the immediate shutdown negotiations, the Senate is also grappling with fallout from the FDA’s recent approval of a new generic abortion pill just before the shutdown. House and Senate conservatives are intensifying their criticism of the FDA, with figures like Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressing shock and losing confidence in FDA leadership. Reps. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.) and Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) have also voiced opposition, with Moore urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to reconsider the decision immediately.