Nearly a week into the government shutdown, Senate gridlock continues
The Senate once again rejected competing plans to end a government shutdown on Monday.
The Senate once again rejected competing plans to end a government shutdown on Monday.
The Senate once again rejected competing plans to end a government shutdown on Monday.
Nearly a week into the government shutdown, gridlock in the Senate persists.
Dueling plans to fund the federal government once again failed on Monday evening. Ahead of those votes, President Donald Trump seemed to suggest that he would be open to a deal on health care tax credits that have been at the center of the shutdown fight.
"We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things,” Trump said. “I'm talking about good things with regard to health care.”
The president later clarified on social media that he is willing to discuss health policy after the government reopens, reiterating Republicans’ long-standing position.
Earlier Monday, Democratic leadership denied that they were in talks with the White House.
“Trump’s claim isn’t true, but if he’s finally ready to work with Democrats, we’ll be at the table,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.
Democrats want to extend enhanced subsidies that have lowered monthly premiums for millions of Americans insured through the Affordable Care Act. Congress increased the tax credits during the pandemic, but the extra help will expire at the end of the year without further action.
Republicans argue the program needs reform. They’re continuing to push for a short-term funding extension that would end the government shutdown without immediately addressing Democrats’ health policy demands.
The White House continues to warn of mass firings if the shutdown continues. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t provide a specific timeline for those potential layoffs on Monday.
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