Government Stalemate Continues with Ongoing Funding Battle
The stalemate within the government continues as it enters its 40th day. Despite the attempts by senators to break the deadlock over the weekend, the battle over funding has caused significant disturbances. The impact has been felt nationwide with disruptions to flights, threats to food assistance for millions, and the absence of pay for federal employees.
There has been little evidence of progress despite the weekend being seen as a critical point in the fight over the government shutdown. The hope among Republican leaders was to introduce a series of bills that would reopen the government and secure full-year funding for several government departments. However, the support of Democrats needed for such an effort is uncertain.
Nearing a Resolution?
Despite the stalemate, there is optimism in some quarters. The Senate Majority Leader has hinted that they are close to securing the votes needed to pass a bill that will reopen the government.
However, Democratic leaders are standing firm on their demand for an extension of subsidies for health plans under the existing healthcare Act. While Republicans have turned down this offer, there appears to be some openness towards a proposal from moderate Democrats. Their proposal involves ending the shutdown in return for a later vote on the health care subsidies, which make coverage more affordable.
Implications for Health Care
For those enrolled in the healthcare exchanges, premiums are expected to more than double next year if Congress allows the enhanced subsidies to lapse. A senator from Vermont, who aligns with the Democrats, has stated that a vote on extending the health care subsidies would be pointless unless there is a commitment from the Speaker of the House and the President to support it.
The President, however, seems unlikely to compromise in the near future. Over the weekend, he urged Republicans to eliminate the Senate’s filibuster rules, which require the support of 60 senators to advance most legislation.
Continued Negotiations
A group of senators, including one from New Hampshire, are discussing bills that would fund parts of the government—like food aid, veterans' programs, and the legislative branch. The funding for other areas would be extended until December or January. The only caveat is a promise for a future health care vote, not an extension of subsidies.
There is uncertainty about whether enough Democrats would back such a plan. Even with a deal, the President seems unlikely to support an extension of health benefits. The Speaker of the House also indicated that he would not commit to a health vote.
Republican leaders need only five more votes to fund the government. The group involved in the talks includes around 10 to 12 Democratic senators. Some Republicans have voiced their support for extending tax credits due to the potential for premiums to skyrocket for millions of people. They want new limits on who can receive the subsidies and believe that subsidies should be routed through individuals.
Emerging Proposals
The President is urging Republicans to resolve the shutdown swiftly and remove the filibuster, which requires 60 Senate votes for most legislation. This would allow them to bypass Democrats completely. However, Republicans have refused to heed this call, and the Senate Majority Leader is considering a bipartisan package that resembles the proposal made by moderate Democrats. It remains unclear what promise he might make regarding health care.
The proposed package would replace the legislation passed by the House, which the Democrats have rejected 14 times since the shutdown began. The current bill only extends government funding until late November.
Decisions Lie Ahead for Democrats
A vote on new legislation could take place in the next few days. This would leave Democrats with a difficult decision: continue to fight for a meaningful deal on subsidy extensions, thereby prolonging the shutdown? Or vote to reopen the government and hope for the best with the promise of an eventual health care vote, but no guaranteed outcome?
One Democratic senator argued on Saturday that Republicans should accept a one-year extension of the subsidies before negotiating the future of the tax credits. He stated that inaction would be irresponsible, as people could go bankrupt, lose insurance, and become sicker if Congress fails to take action.