In brief
With the government shut down, Senate Democrats refuse to back any Republican spending bill lacking health care benefit extensions, forcing a standoff that has left the future uncertain. Despite private discussions and calls for negotiations, the chances of finding common ground remain slim. Some Democrats want to maintain their position, while others are debating whether to compromise amidst ongoing pressures and threats from the Trump administration.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats kept their promise to reject any Republican spending bill that didn’t extend or restore health care benefits, choosing instead to force a government shutdown. Now they have to figure out how to get out of it.Just hours after the shutdown began, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said that if the Republicans work with them, 'the shutdown could go away very quickly.'But that won’t be easy. Republican leaders — Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump — have said that they won’t negotiate or be 'held hostage' by Democrats demanding concessions to reopen the government. The bill Democrats voted against was a simple extension of funding for 45 days, legislation they say should be noncontroversial.While that uncompromising Republican position may not last long — there were some early, informal talks on the Senate floor Wednesday — reaching a deal would be difficult. It’s deeply uncertain, for now, if the two sides could find common ground on health care policy or sow enough trust for the Democrats to change their position.At the same time, an extended shutdown could be increasingly painful for Democrats. The Trump administration has threatened to lay off thousands of workers and target Democratic-leaning states. On Wednesday, the White House announced it was putting a hold on subway and tunnel projects in Schumer’s home state of New York.“...this Democrat shutdown is actually delaying progress on the issues that Democrats claim to be interested in,” Thune said.Some wavering Democrats emerge in the shutdown saga. Republicans were encouraged when three Democrat Senators voted with them to keep the government open.Thune is holding repeated votes on the measure, which repeatedly failed to pass. Democrats at a crossroad must decide whether to hold their ground or seek a way out of the impasse.In addition to avoiding future shutdowns, Democrats have demanded immediate actions on health care subsidies for millions relying on the Affordable Care Act. While some Republicans have expressed openness to negotiations, the debate remains contentious as discussions proceed amidst the backdrop of an ongoing government closure.
