On Wednesday, Senate Democrats blocked a bill aimed at ending the government shutdown for the sixth time. The funding dilemma has now stretched into its second week, showing minimal signs of progress.
Senators cast their votes, with 54 in favor and 45 against the Republicans’ simple stopgap spending measure designed to keep the government funded until the end of November. However, it fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance.
A few Democrats, including Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada, Angus King from Maine, and John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, sided with Republicans in the vote. But once again, the majority of the Democratic caucus did not join them.
Senator King expressed his intention to keep supporting the Republican bill, voicing concerns about the powers the White House might assume during a shutdown. He stated, “The actions of the President, OMB, Vought, and Miller during this time present a genuine threat to our country.”
He also mentioned the ongoing need to address the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its expiring premium subsidies, noting, “It’s critical that we find a solution. Republicans should collaborate with us on this.” King suggested that the shutdown must end soon, warning, “I fear the worst is yet to come.”
Conversely, Democrats have been persistent in seeking discussions to extend health care subsidies, but Republicans have dismissed these talks, stating they can only proceed once the government reopens.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota remarked to reporters, “I get that you’re looking for a new spin on this, but fundamentally, it remains unchanged.”
The failed vote came on the heels of another Democratic continuing resolution, which sought to permanently extend the ACA tax credit. That proposal similarly met defeat along party lines with a 52-47 vote.
Meanwhile, Democrats continue to hold Republicans accountable for the stalemate in negotiations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York criticized, “The only reason for the government shutdown is the Republican Party, led by Donald Trump, would rather strip 15 million people of their health coverage than engage with us to improve health care.”
