Support for a potential agreement to reopen the government among Senate Democrats is waning, largely due to a lack of trust in President Trump regarding commitments like extending health insurance benefits and preventing layoffs for federal employees.
On Thursday, Senate Democrats rejected a new plan intended to reopen the government, which combined a short-term funding measure with three ongoing spending bills for military construction, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture.
During a lunch meeting, the Democratic senators deliberated over the proposal and ultimately determined it lacked sufficient guarantees that Trump and the Republican-led House would extend health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before they expire in January.
A Democratic senator described the situation by saying, “I’ve got a bunch of keys, and I’m trying to find the right one for the lock. I just need another key.”
While a group of centrists led by Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-Maine), and Angus King (D-Maine) put forward the rejected proposal, Democrats are still eager to find a swift resolution to the government shutdown.
However, their fraught dynamic with Trump poses a significant obstacle.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R.S., requires at least eight Democratic votes to lift the shutdown, which has now lasted for 37 days. Currently, he is five votes shy of that target and could not reassure Democrats regarding Trump’s willingness to accept a health insurance subsidy extension.
Thune intends to move forward with a funding measure passed by the House, aiming to introduce amendments that reflect recent compromises made by moderate Republicans and Democrats. However, the vote is likely to be unsuccessful.
Democrats have argued that Thune cannot guarantee that Trump will lift his freeze on federal funds or abandon his strategy of recouping appropriated funds. They are also apprehensive that if Trump votes to reopen government departments, he may still proceed with layoffs of federal workers.
Senators who were part of Thursday’s crucial caucus meeting indicated that Trump has shown “no indication” of wanting to engage in negotiations to lower healthcare costs.
Instead, he has pressured Thune to change Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster, effectively sidelining Senate Democrats.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vermont), involved in the discussions to reopen the government, expressed his trust in Thune but remained skeptical about House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), who has close ties to Trump and the MAGA base.
“I trust John Thune, but here’s the truth: It’s beyond his control to get a legally enforceable agreement because he needs the buy-in of the House,” Welch noted on the Senate floor.
Senate Democratic Leader Dick Durbin of Illinois reminded colleagues that Trump previously rejected a deal negotiated by Senate Republicans during the 2018-2019 government shutdown, which was fueled by tensions over the border wall and immigration policies.
Durbin reflected on the bipartisan negotiations that sought to address those issues, illustrating the challenges of past interactions with Trump.
Some Democrats are still processing the surprising deal made between Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Thune, which aimed to confirm over 140 of Trump’s stalled executive nominees. Trump’s furious reaction to being briefed about the arrangement was notable.
He characterized the Democrats’ negotiating stance this summer as “terrible and unprecedented,” and his statements in various interviews indicate an unwillingness to negotiate in good faith.
Recently, Trump completely disregarded requests for a meeting with Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, leaving their invitation unanswered.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) mentioned that Trump’s confrontational approach has actually fortified Democratic resolve. Kaine remarked, “President Trump’s disrespectful handling of the process…made it easier for people to come together.”
At the start of the government shutdown, Trump shared a video on social media portraying Schumer and Jeffries in an unflattering light, which many Democrats found offensive, negatively impacting the atmosphere of the discussions.
Democrats in key states remain hesitant to support a deal to reopen the government, rooted in their distrust of Trump. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) criticized Trump for failing to foster unity, stating, “He’s doing the opposite.”
Warnock expressed concern over Trump’s recent declaration that food assistance would only be available if the government shutdown ended, calling it contradictory to recent court orders.
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt later sought to clarify Trump’s statement, assuring reporters of the administration’s compliance with judicial directives.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), previously active in bipartisan discussions, is no longer part of the negotiations. He conveyed doubts about Trump’s commitment to any potential agreements that might arise.
Democrats see Trump’s backing of an agreement to deal with expiring health insurance subsidies as crucial for securing votes. Without his endorsement, there’s skepticism that Thune can gather enough support in the Senate, and even if approved there, the House may not act.
Thune admitted his limitations, stating, “I can’t guarantee them an outcome…I can guarantee them a process.” He acknowledged that efforts might be made for a vote in the House, but he has no authority to assure any results.
Prime Minister Johnson has also refrained from committing to a vote concerning the ACA subsidy extension, asserting that the House has fulfilled its role by passing a clean funding bill.
Peters, among the leading negotiators for moderate Democrats, labeled the lack of commitment to a House vote on the aid as a “serious problem.”
