Senators Push for Bipartisan Deal as Trump Rejects Compromise

Senators are convening over the weekend in Washington, D.C., aiming to reach a bipartisan agreement that has remained elusive for over a month during the federal government shutdown. The impasse has resulted in unpaid federal workers, flight cancellations, and delays in SNAP benefits affecting millions of Americans. As the session commenced on Saturday, uncertainty loomed regarding whether Democrats and Republicans could find common ground to end the 39-day shutdown.

President Donald Trump made his position clear on Saturday, expressing reluctance to compromise with Democrats, who are advocating for an extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. He criticized the healthcare system on social media, labeling it as “the worst Healthcare anywhere in the world,” and suggested that Congress should provide direct financial assistance to individuals for purchasing insurance.

Senate Republican leaders have shown some flexibility towards a proposal from a coalition of moderate Democrats aimed at resolving the shutdown. This proposal includes a commitment to vote on healthcare subsidies at a later date, a shift from previous offers. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, who is leading discussions among moderate senators, emphasized the need for “another path forward” after the rejection of a prior offer by Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader from New York.

Moderate senators are in ongoing discussions about potential legislation that would fund various government programs, including food aid and veterans’ services, while extending funding for other sectors until December or January. This arrangement would hinge on the promise of a future health care vote, rather than a guarantee of continued subsidies. The level of support among Democrats for such a plan remains uncertain.

Trump’s stance on extending health benefits appears unwavering, with House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana also refraining from committing to a healthcare vote. Currently, Republican leaders require only five additional votes to fund the government, with negotiations involving a group of 10 to 12 Democratic senators. Some Republicans have expressed willingness to extend COVID-19-era tax credits, citing potential premium increases for millions, but they seek new limitations on eligibility for these subsidies.

Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota noted that discussions with Democrats have been productive. Meanwhile, Trump has urged Republicans to expedite the shutdown’s conclusion by eliminating the filibuster, a procedure requiring 60 Senate votes for most legislation. Vice President JD Vance supported this notion in a social media post, stating that Republicans who favor maintaining the filibuster are “wrong.”

Despite Trump’s push, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota appears to favor a bipartisan package aligned with the moderate Democrats’ proposal. The new legislative package would replace a previous bill, which has been rejected by Democrats 14 times since the shutdown began on October 1, 2023. The current legislation would only extend government funding until November 21, 2023.

A crucial test vote could occur in the coming days if Thune opts to advance the new legislation. This would force Democrats into a challenging decision: pursue a significant deal that includes extending the subsidies set to expire in January or agree to reopen the government based on vague promises of future negotiations regarding healthcare.

Following a caucus meeting, many Democrats indicated their intention to continue pressing for a comprehensive deal. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii remarked that while consensus within the party is lacking, “without something on health care, the vote is very unlikely to succeed.” Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent aligned with the Democrats, urged his colleagues to remain steadfast after recent electoral victories and to demand an extension of the subsidies.

As negotiations unfold, the prospect of a resolution remains uncertain, with significant implications for millions of Americans impacted by the ongoing shutdown.