House Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday sharply diverged from the direction that Senate negotiations were headed in to end the government shutdown, rejecting any commitment to a guaranteed vote on extending enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Johnson’s stance has drawn criticism from Senate Democrats, who insist that any agreement to end the shutdown must include a firm promise on the subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year without congressional action.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had been actively proposing a vote on the subsidies in exchange for Democrats’ support in ending the shutdown. Thune’s offer, however, was met with skepticism by Johnson, who referred to it as a ‘ridiculous’ demand. When pressed about the possibility of a guaranteed vote, Johnson reiterated that the House had already completed its role and would not be involved in further negotiations on the issue.
The debate over extended subsidies has become a central point of contention between the two chambers. For Senate Democrats, the extension is not just a policy question but also a bargaining chip in the larger negotiation to end the shutdown. With the government in a 37-day shutdown, the stakes are high, and the Democratic caucus is divided on how to proceed. According to recent reports, a number of Senators are now pushing for a guaranteed outcome, believing that the public’s recent support for their cause could influence the outcome of the negotiations.
However, Thune and other Republican leaders insist that they cannot guarantee the passage of any specific legislation, only the process by which it will be voted on. This has led to further friction within the Senate, where some members are calling for a more aggressive stance against Democratic demands. With the shutdown entering its 37th day, the pressure is mounting for both parties to find a resolution, but the partisan divide remains a significant barrier to compromise.