The prolonged government shutdown, now extending beyond a month, has been fueled by a deadlock over health care subsidies, with lawmakers from both parties unable to reach a consensus.
In a bid to resolve the impasse, several Democrats convened last week, aiming to broker a deal that would reopen the government in the near future.
According to Newsweek, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, was contacted for comment on the situation. The shutdown, which has become the second-longest in U.S. history, stems from Congress's failure to pass necessary appropriations bills, instead relying on continuing resolutions (CR) to temporarily fund the government.
The Senate, however, has been unable to pass a CR for over a month, with Democrats insisting on addressing Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire soon. Republicans argue for passing a bill already approved by the House of Representatives.
Grant Davis Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, suggested to Newsweek that the recent meeting might signal an end to the shutdown. "I have always thought the shutdown would be unlikely to go much beyond this point, as more things, and more people, become affectedthe SNAP benefits being a big factor," he remarked.
Reeher also noted that the political fallout from the shutdown remains uncertain, with both parties potentially facing backlash. He added, "Everyone has blood on their hands; no one looks particularly good. The president is likely to emerge looking more powerfulhe was willing to let the shutdown go on, at least for a bit."
The bill requires bipartisan support to pass in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority. It must clear the 60-vote filibuster hurdle, necessitating at least seven Democratic votes. Senators John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez-Masto, and independent Angus King have already backed the bill, while GOP Senator Rand Paul has opposed it. This leaves five more Democratic votes needed to advance the bill and end the shutdown. Last week, a group of Democrats, primarily from swing states, met to discuss potential solutions, as reported by The Hill.
Among those involved in negotiations were Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, Gary Peters, Elissa Slotkin, Jon Ossoff, Mark Kelly, Peter Welch, and Tammy Baldwin. Each senator brings unique perspectives and challenges to the table, reflecting the diverse political landscape they represent.
Senator Shaheen expressed hope for an agreement, stating, "What were hoping is that we can come to some agreement among members that we can then present to leadership and say this is something we ought to be able to agree to, now lets vote on it."
As negotiations continue, the political stakes remain high. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged Democrats to consider a clean CR to fund essential programs, while Schumer has criticized Republicans for exacerbating health care costs. The outcome of these discussions will determine the future of the shutdown, with betting odds suggesting a 55 percent chance of it persisting through mid-November.
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