A scheduled Friday vote to move ahead on a government funding deal comes as Democrats are still uncertain about how to move a health care deal forward. The situation is becoming increasingly complex as both parties attempt to find a way forward amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised Democracy a floor vote to prevent the enhanced subsidies from expiring at the end of the year, but Senate Democrats are not sure if they can trust his commitment. Some lawmakers argue they should wait for a concrete deal on an extension before moving forward with reopening the government, while others believe a bipartisan framework can emerge after the government resumes operations.
The stakes are high, as Democrats argue that extending the ACA subsidies would prevent millions of Americans from facing steep premium increases in 2026. The situation also tests the party’s ability to solve a highly complex and politically charged issue through traditional bipartisan negotiations, with many Democrats skeptical about Republicans’ willingness to follow through once the shutdown ends.
Senate Finance Committee ranking member Ron Wyden has cautioned that the negotiations must lead to a concrete proposal rather than just talk, emphasizing that the situation requires decisive legislative action. Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Murphy has called for Democrats to hold out for a clear commitment from Republicans before agreeing to reopen the government, citing recent election victories as a signal that voters want the party to keep up the fight.
Despite the challenges, some Senate Democrats are attempting to build bridges with their Republican counterparts. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Angus King, and Maggie Hassan are engaged in discussions with rank-and-file Senate Republicans, exchanging white papers on potential proposals. However, these efforts are complicated by the fact that Republicans have not shown a strong willingness to negotiate until after the government is reopened.
Furthermore, the internal divisions within the Democratic Party are compounded by the reluctance of House Speaker Mike Johnson to commit to a vote on a bill extending the subsidies. Johnson faces resistance from his right flank, with members of the House Freedom Caucus threatening to revolt if the subsidies are extended. This creates additional pressure for Democratic lawmakers to navigate the situation carefully.
The White House has also shown little inclination to take a strong stance on the issue, with Trump’s administration reportedly divided on whether to support the extension of subsidies. Some freshman Democrats, like Andy Kim and Lisa Blunt Rochester, are reaching out to former House colleagues to explore potential bipartisan solutions. However, the path remains uncertain, with the possibility of a discharge petition as a last resort to force a vote on the ACA subsidies.
As the situation unfolds, the Democratic Party faces a delicate balancing act. They must not only negotiate a deal that satisfies their members but also find a way to prevent a severe impact on American families’ health care costs. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for both the government’s operations and the future of health care policy in the U.S.