The Senate is set to cast votes on two suspended spending packages this Friday as lawmakers work to prevent government shutdowns before the October 1 deadline.
Earlier, the House might approve the GOP’s simple seven-week continuous resolution, which would then head to the Senate.
This vote is significant, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) presenting the proposal Thursday evening.
“We’ll move forward with that,” Thune told the press.
However, both proposals are not expected to pass. Thune mentioned he would reconsider the GOP strategy, planning to call for additional votes as the deadline approaches.
He also indicated that it seems “impossible” for the Senate to reconvene next week due to the Chamber of Commerce being closed for Jewish high holidays, with sessions scheduled to resume on September 29.
The Republican plan aims to fund the government until November 21 at 2024 spending levels, focusing on establishing budget frameworks to address one-year spending contracts for the rest of fiscal year 2026.
In contrast, the Democratic plan seeks to reverse nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts from the GOP’s previous broader bills, alongside a permanent extension of enhanced health insurance premium subsidies.
This extension is tied to the Affordable Care Act, which is set to expire at year-end, making it a priority for Democrats in their funding discussions.
“There’s a clear difference between the Democratic budget proposal and the Republican approach. Republicans want to maintain the status quo—higher costs and reduced healthcare. Democrats aim to improve healthcare affordability and meet people’s needs,” Thune remarked.
Republicans contend that these subsidies won’t lead to negotiations, especially in bills designed to keep the government running for a mere two months.
They have consistently asked Democrats to back the “clean” bill, reminding them that they’ve done so many times in recent years.
