Senate Democrats have blocked Republican efforts to reopen the government for the seventh time this week as the military pay deadline looms. The stalemate continues as both sides refuse to compromise, with Democrats demanding an extension to Obamacare tax credits before supporting the GOP plan. The crisis escalates as the deadline to process military paychecks fast approaches, risking service members’ pay.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and most of his caucus have shown no signs of breaking from their position as the shutdown entered its ninth day. Republicans are similarly unwilling to relent, further solidifying the stalemate in the upper chamber. A key deadline that lawmakers must hit to ensure that service members get their paychecks is fast approaching and will likely be missed unless a deal is struck.
Lawmakers have until Oct. 13, the deadline to process payments for the military’s payroll, to fund the government, or service members will miss their first paycheck. Senate staff members are due for their next expected payday on Oct. 20. However, the looming deadlines have not made either side flinch.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., expressed concern about everyone going without pay and reiterated the need to open the government back up. However, she noted that the president has been unwilling to talk, and leadership in both houses has also been reluctant to engage in talks. The Senate is also scheduled for a recess starting next week, which is expected to be canceled, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune stating that the decision depends on Senate Democrats.
Both parties’ positions have remained unchanged. Senate Democrats want an extension to expiring Obamacare tax credits and an ironclad deal addressing those subsidies before approving the GOP plan to reopen the government. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are adamant that these conversations can only happen after the government is reopened and want reforms to the post-COVID-19 healthcare program they claim has contributed to premium inflation.
While bipartisan talks have continued, they remain informal and have not led to meaningful negotiations. Republicans allege that Senate Democrats are holding out their votes until an upcoming