The Senate has reached an impasse over the government shutdown, with Democrats blocking the ninth GOP effort to pass a resolution to resume government operations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and other Republicans believe that Senate Democrats won’t end the shutdown until after Saturday’s protest, which could serve as a turning point in negotiations. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has accused Republicans of delaying action, arguing that unless Congress acts before the open enrollment deadline for Obamacare on November 1, millions of Americans could face skyrocketing healthcare premiums.
Democrats argue that the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) is a critical step in securing an extension of expiring tax credits for Obamacare, but they insist that Congress must take action before the open enrollment deadline. Republicans, however, have suggested that Senate Democrats are waiting for Saturday’s protest as a potential catalyst for a compromise. Senate Minority Leader Schumer has warned that the healthcare crisis is now at its peak, stating,