U.S. Senators Hold Rare Weekend Session Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
Lawmakers continue negotiations as the government shutdown surpasses a month, affecting various sectors and citizens.
Senators in Washington are working through the weekend for the first time since the government shutdown began over a month ago.
The impasse has seen federal workers go unpaid, flights canceled, and SNAP benefits delayed for millions of Americans.
As Saturday's session commenced, it remained uncertain whether Republicans and Democrats could find common ground to end the 39-day stalemate.
President Donald Trump indicated he is unlikely to compromise on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Instead, he suggested Congress send money directly to people for insurance purchases.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that while this idea would not be part of a solution, it was a topic worth discussing and added that the Senate would stay in session until the shutdown ends.
Senate Republican leaders have shown openness towards an emerging proposal from moderate Democrats to end the shutdown.
This involves passing bills for government services like food aid and veterans programs while extending funding until December or January.
The agreement comes with the promise of a future healthcare vote, though it's uncertain whether enough Democrats will support this plan.
Some Republicans are open to extending COVID-19-era tax credits due to potential premium increases but want stricter subsidy criteria.
Trump has called for ending the shutdown quickly and scrapping the filibuster, which currently requires 60 Senate votes for most legislation.
However, Republicans have rejected these calls.
The ongoing stalemate presents a critical choice for Democrats: continue fighting for a meaningful deal on healthcare subsidies while prolonging the government shutdown or vote to reopen the government with uncertain outcomes from Republicans regarding future healthcare votes.
The impasse has seen federal workers go unpaid, flights canceled, and SNAP benefits delayed for millions of Americans.
As Saturday's session commenced, it remained uncertain whether Republicans and Democrats could find common ground to end the 39-day stalemate.
President Donald Trump indicated he is unlikely to compromise on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Instead, he suggested Congress send money directly to people for insurance purchases.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that while this idea would not be part of a solution, it was a topic worth discussing and added that the Senate would stay in session until the shutdown ends.
Senate Republican leaders have shown openness towards an emerging proposal from moderate Democrats to end the shutdown.
This involves passing bills for government services like food aid and veterans programs while extending funding until December or January.
The agreement comes with the promise of a future healthcare vote, though it's uncertain whether enough Democrats will support this plan.
Some Republicans are open to extending COVID-19-era tax credits due to potential premium increases but want stricter subsidy criteria.
Trump has called for ending the shutdown quickly and scrapping the filibuster, which currently requires 60 Senate votes for most legislation.
However, Republicans have rejected these calls.
The ongoing stalemate presents a critical choice for Democrats: continue fighting for a meaningful deal on healthcare subsidies while prolonging the government shutdown or vote to reopen the government with uncertain outcomes from Republicans regarding future healthcare votes.