Senate Extends Government Shutdown as Obamacare Dispute Stalls Resolution
Senate Democrats have blocked a Republican proposal to end the government shutdown for the 3, which has pushed the shutdown to become the longest in U.S. history. Lawmakers are now in bipartisan talks to address the ongoing impasse, with key issues including the extension of Obamacare subsidies and funding solutions.
The Senate’s decision to again reject the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) has come as the government shutdown matched the previous 35-day record set in 2019, with the potential to surpass that milestone later in the day. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his Democratic caucus are still largely entrenched in their position that unless an ironclad deal on expiring Obamacare subsidies is struck, they won’t reopen the government.
During a speech on the Senate floor, Schumer squarely placed the blame for the healthcare issue on Republicans and President Donald Trump, as Americans got notices of increased premiums over the weekend. He criticized Republicans for their approach to healthcare, stating that it seems to be to eliminate it and leave working people to figure it out on their own.
Despite the tension, there are signs of weakening resolve on the Democratic side, as a group of nearly a dozen Senate Democrats met behind closed doors to discuss a way out. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed optimism about the shutdown coming to an end soon but noted the pressures on all sides have been significant.
Thune emphasized that Republicans have made multiple options available to Senate Democrats, including guaranteeing a vote on the expiring subsidies or any potential Obamacare bill after the government reopens. He noted that while some believe the situation is close to resolution, the exact timing remains uncertain.
Lawmakers are also discussing the possibility of extending the current CR, either by amending it or passing a new bill, to provide enough time to advance funding bills and avoid a major, year-end omnibus spending bill. Some are eyeing an extension into December, while others prefer January. A trio of spending bills could also be tied to the revised extension.
Additionally, bipartisan discussions on Obamacare continue, though neither side has fully constructed an off-ramp out of the shutdown. Lawmakers are considering various paths forward for the subsidies, including extending them for two years, modifying the income cap, and adjusting the low-cost premium contribution. However, the complexity of these changes remains a significant challenge.
Some Senate Democrats are frustrated that President Trump has not yet engaged more actively, arguing that any deal crafted on the Hill is meaningless without his explicit support. Trump has agreed to meet with Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., only after the government reopens, which has left some Democrats skeptical about his willingness to resolve the issue.
As the situation continues, the political fallout and economic impact of the prolonged shutdown could intensify, with both parties facing pressure to find a compromise that avoids further disruption to government operations and the broader economy.