The US Senate is poised to vote on a plan to reopen the federal government, signaling a potential end to a historic shutdown that has now extended into its 40th day. Senators are expected to consider advancing a stopgap funding bill that was passed by the House of Representatives, with a vote scheduled for as early as Sunday night. According to Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune, the plan includes amending the funding measure to incorporate three full-year appropriations bills alongside the short-term funding.
While the Senate’s amended package must still pass through the House and receive approval from Donald Trump, the timeline for these actions remains uncertain. Senate Democrats have expressed reservations about passing a funding measure without addressing healthcare issues, particularly the impending expiration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
In discussions surrounding the proposed funding measure, Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, indicated he would oppose the funding bill unless it guarantees a direct vote on extending these healthcare subsidies. “I am unwilling to accept a vague promise of a vote at some indeterminate time,” Blumenthal stated. Meanwhile, Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat from New Mexico, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of action on the tax credits, questioning whether the House Speaker, Mike Johnson, would take any meaningful steps.
Progressive senators have voiced strong opposition to the emerging compromise. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts labeled the deal a “mistake,” while Bernie Sanders of Vermont warned it would represent a significant political misstep for the Democrats.
Democratic leaders in the House have also voiced their discontent. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, firmly stated that the party would not support any funding legislation that fails to extend the ACA tax credits. “A deal that doesn’t reduce healthcare costs is a betrayal of millions of Americans counting on Democrats to fight for them,” Greg Casar, a Texas Democrat and leader of the House progressive caucus, remarked on social media.
The ongoing shutdown has significantly impacted federal workers and services, affecting food aid, national parks, and air travel. As the holiday season approaches, concerns grow over air traffic control staffing shortages that could disrupt travel during the busy Thanksgiving period, which falls on November 27, 2023 this year.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina noted that the adverse effects of the shutdown have created a pressing need for an agreement. He remarked, “Temperatures cool, the atmospheric pressure increases outside and all of a sudden it looks like things will come together.”
Economic implications of the shutdown are also a concern. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned that prolonged closures could lead to negative economic growth in the fourth quarter, particularly if air travel does not return to normal ahead of Thanksgiving.
On the healthcare front, Democrats have faced challenges with their proposals. Last Friday, Republican senators rejected a proposal from Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, to reopen the government in exchange for a one-year extension of ACA tax credits. Adam Schiff, a Democratic senator from California, suggested that Trump’s healthcare proposals may undermine the ACA by empowering insurance companies to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions.
As negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain, with significant pressure on lawmakers to find a resolution that addresses both government funding and healthcare concerns.
