Senators Push for Compromise as Government Shutdown Hits 39 Days

As the government shutdown enters its **39th day**, U.S. senators are convening for a rare weekend session in a bid to reach a bipartisan solution. The shutdown, which began on **October 1, 2023**, has resulted in unpaid federal workers, flight cancellations by airlines, and delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans.

With uncertainty surrounding the potential for a resolution, President Donald Trump underscored his unwillingness to compromise with Democrats over health care issues. In a social media post, he criticized the Affordable Care Act tax credits, calling them “the worst Healthcare anywhere in the world.” He suggested that Congress should provide direct financial assistance to individuals for purchasing insurance.

Despite this, Senate Republican leaders have shown a willingness to consider a proposal from a group of moderate Democrats aimed at ending the shutdown. This proposal includes a future vote on the “Obamacare” subsidies in exchange for reopening the government. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, who is spearheading discussions among moderate senators, stated that Democrats “need another path forward” after Republican leader Chuck Schumer of New York’s offer to extend subsidies for a year was rejected.

Moderates are currently negotiating a legislative package that could fund critical government functions, including food aid and veterans programs, while extending funding for other areas until December or January. This agreement would come without a guaranteed extension of the health benefits, leaving the support of enough Democrats in question.

Even if an agreement is reached, Trump has indicated that he is unlikely to endorse the extension of health benefits. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has also expressed reluctance to commit to a vote on health care. Republicans require only five additional votes to fund the government, while the group negotiating includes between 10 to 12 Democratic senators.

Some Republicans have acknowledged the need to extend COVID-19-era tax credits due to rising premiums impacting millions, although they seek to impose limits on eligibility for the subsidies. Senator Mike Rounds from South Dakota remarked, “We have had really good discussions with a lot of the Democrats.”

Trump has urged a swift end to the shutdown and has suggested eliminating the filibuster, which necessitates 60 Senate votes for most legislation, to facilitate this process. In a post on social media, Vice President JD Vance, a former senator from Ohio, supported this notion, asserting that Republicans who favor maintaining the filibuster are “wrong.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota is considering a bipartisan legislative package that reflects the proposal being crafted by moderate Democrats. What concessions he might offer regarding health care remains unclear. This potential package would replace previously passed legislation from the House that has been rejected by Democrats multiple times since the onset of the shutdown.

Should Thune decide to move forward, a test vote on the new legislation could occur within days. This would present Democrats with a critical choice: continue to advocate for a substantial deal on health care subsidies, which are set to expire in January, or proceed with reopening the government based on promises of a future health care vote, albeit without guarantees.

Following a caucus meeting, many Democrats indicated they would continue to press for negotiations with Trump and Republican leaders. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii noted that while Democrats are “obviously not unanimous,” without a focus on health care, the chances of a successful vote are significantly diminished. Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who aligns with the Democrats, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong stance after recent Democratic electoral successes, advocating for an extension of the subsidies.

As discussions continue, the pressure mounts on lawmakers to find a resolution that addresses the urgent needs of American citizens affected by the ongoing government shutdown.