UPDATE: The government shutdown has now entered its 37th day, and any hopes for a quick resolution are dwindling as Senate Democrats stand firm on extending Obamacare subsidies. Just moments ago, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., declared after a lengthy caucus meeting, “We had a very good, productive meeting,” signaling the party’s commitment to leverage their position.
With recent Election Day victories fueling their resolve, Senate Democrats are determined to fight for healthcare access for millions. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., emphasized the urgency: “Affordability is a giant issue for American families. They told us that at the polls on Tuesday, but they tell us that every day of their lives.”
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is scheduled to bring the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to the floor on Friday to test the Democrats’ resolve. However, this measure is expected to face another blockade from the Democrats, who want to resolve the subsidy issue before any government reopening.
Republicans are advocating for a strategy that pairs the CR with three essential spending bills to jump-start funding. Thune stated, “I think the clear path forward here with regard to the [Obamacare] issue is to open up the government, and we head down to the White House and talk about it.” Yet, he noted, “There is hostage-taking happening, as you all know. The consequences are getting more pronounced.”
In a show of defiance, Democrats have called upon President Donald Trump to engage directly in negotiations regarding the expiring subsidies. Senator Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissing his comments about the House vote: “Mike Johnson is only going to do what one person tells him, and that one person is Donald Trump.”
As lawmakers navigate this tense standoff, the future of the Senate’s schedule remains uncertain. Ahead of the upcoming Veterans Day recess, there is speculation about whether the Senate will remain in session over the weekend. Democrats appear willing to stay, while Republicans are hesitant unless significant progress is made. Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich., expressed, “I do expect to be here this weekend.”
The situation remains fluid as both parties gear up for a critical showdown. The stakes are high, with government services at risk and millions of Americans counting on the outcome. Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent story develops.
