There are rumblings on Capitol Hill about a potential deal to end the government shutdown. A group of moderate Democrats has been considering voting to reopen the government, folding to Republicans.
Senators just wrapped their 14th failed attempt to fund the government. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are meeting Tuesday for their weekly luncheon. Keep an eye out for reporting from that meeting.
The Hill's Al Weaver reported today the chamber is more upbeat about a potential deal coming sooner than later, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) saying Monday he was "optimistic" for a deal.
Multiple GOP senators in cable interviews on Tuesday morning expressed optimism that the shutdown could end in a matter of days.
Who's involved in the talks on reopening the government?: Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), per Punchbowl News.
The potential plan: Moderate Democrats would reportedly vote to reopen the government on a condition that a vote to extend ObamaCare subsidies would be guaranteed on an agreed-to date, according to the outlet.
Democrats had been demanding ObamaCare subsidies be tied to the government funding bill, while Republicans want to reopen the government and then handle health care subsidies separately.
The reported deal would not guarantee that the health care subsidies pass — just that a vote would happen.
Lawmakers have also been discussing extending government funding until December — right around the holidays — or until January to avoid a holiday logjam. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says he's not in favor of the December plan. Johnson and Thune are more in favor of a January end date for a "longer runway," as Thune put it.
Keep in mind: Talks are very early and extremely fragile. Progressive Democrats would be furious if moderate Democrats fold.
The Hill's Alexander Bolton reports that Senate Democrats are internally divided over whether to cut a deal to end the shutdown.
Read Bolton's reporting: 'Democrats divided over cutting deal to end shutdown'
Timing: Food stamp benefits froze this week, flight delays are getting worse and federal employees are feeling the pain of missed paychecks. But what may be fueling both parties' calculi is to get through today, which is Election Day. Democrats are expected to score some wins today, but results tipped in either direction could trigger a turning point in the shutdown.
Read Sudiksha Kochi's reporting: 'Lawmakers hopeful Election Day will be turning point in the shutdown fight'
💬 Follow today's live blog
No comments:
Post a Comment