Senate Democrats Seek Solution for Government Shutdown

At least eight moderate Senate Democrats are currently engaged in discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing month-long government shutdown. However, insiders suggest that they will require solid commitments from Republicans before agreeing to vote for reopening the government.

The group, which includes Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire and Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia—who is viewed as a top Republican target for the 2026 elections—seems to be looking for reassurance regarding proposals from Senate Majority Leader John Thune. They might even want input directly from former President Trump, sources indicate.

On Thursday, as the Senate prepared for a vote, these senators gathered in the Capitol’s basement, hoping to conclude the shutdown before the Veterans Day recess.

“It’s encouraging that bipartisan discussions are ongoing,” Ossoff remarked.

When asked about the likelihood of a deal being reached this week, Ossoff, who had voted earlier to ensure essential federal workers would be compensated during the shutdown, stated, “We need a resolution that aligns with what the voters want.”

He added, “My constituents don’t want rising health insurance costs; they simply want the government to reopen.” Ossoff’s optimism is tempered by the need for concrete actions.

The senators likely to support a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government include Shaheen, Ossoff, Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).

Throughout Thursday, these eight senators were seen leaving a meeting, and both Shaheen and Kelly expressed a desire for Congress to stay in session over the weekend to finalize an agreement.

Additionally, Senators John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Angus King (I-Maine) could provide the votes needed to reopen federal operations soon. They’ve consistently supported the House-pass bill that funds the government through November 21.

Democratic senators, speaking off the record about the potential for a deal, mentioned that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is keen to wrap up the shutdown before the deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ends and the Affordable Care Act enrollment period starts on November 1.

Referring to the urgency, one senator noted, “We can’t afford to let federal workers go unpaid or have food banks shut down again,” highlighting the pressure to act quickly.

While Schumer faces intense pressure from the more liberal faction of the party not to concede to Republican demands, he appears willing to allow moderate colleagues the freedom to vote differently if they choose to support reopening efforts.

“We’re not trying to create conflict,” one senator explained regarding the potential split where centrist Democrats might align with Republicans.

The impending expiration of SNAP benefits on November 1 looms large for vulnerable Democratic senators seeking a way to justify their actions as the shutdown resolution unfolds.

Fetterman, who has been a consistent supporter of the funding bill, stated it would be “a betrayal” of Democratic principles to let 42 million Americans lose access to food assistance, emphasizing the impact on two million Pennsylvanians alone.

“I’m at a loss for what to tell them. It feels like a complete failure,” he said, expressing concern for mothers struggling to provide for their families during the potential lapse in assistance.

Fetterman voiced frustration, stating, “It’s just heartbreaking.” He characterized the situation as bordering on atrocity, underscoring his emotional response to the potential consequences.

He also noted that many of his colleagues seem “afraid” to challenge the party’s progressive base. “I’m not scared,” he asserted. “Feeding 2 million people is a fundamental Democratic value. We can’t abandon that.”

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) recently called for a unanimous floor vote to fund SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs during the shutdown, although Thune rejected the suggestion.

Thune accused Democrats of trying to politicize SNAP and WIC funding.

Sources involved in the negotiations warned that talks are delicate and contingent on assurances from Thune that Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson would genuinely entertain a Senate-backed proposal to enhance health insurance subsidies.

Thune assured Democrats that he would support bringing any suitable healthcare bill to the Senate floor for debate, which is particularly pressing as the current subsidies are set to expire in January.

He also indicated that Trump would be open to negotiations post-shutdown about lowering healthcare costs. “The president enjoys negotiating, but the outcome is uncertain,” Thune clarified. “What I can guarantee is a process; they will have opportunities for votes,” he added.

Moderate Democrats are contemplating whether Thune’s involvement could help pass a health insurance bill that could gain traction in the House and secure Trump’s endorsement.

Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), a notable centrist running for re-election, expressed skepticism about reaching a deal with Republicans without Trump’s backing. “Many of my Republican colleagues are worried about the shutdown and healthcare issues too,” he said, emphasizing the need for the president’s involvement moving forward. “Trust is key here,” he noted.