Senate Republicans are intensifying their efforts to secure five additional Democratic votes needed to advance a bill aimed at preventing government shutdowns.
The GOP has been somewhat reluctant to engage in negotiations regarding Democratic priorities, such as an extension of healthcare subsidies, opting instead to seek direct support from across the aisle.
To move forward with the House-passed continuing resolution (CR), Republicans need eight votes from Democrats; however, only three Democrats sided with them in the recent Tuesday vote.
Since then, there’s been little movement from Democrats. With two votes against, it seems discussions around tax credit agreements are reaching an impasse.
“At some point, they have to take ‘yes’ for an answer,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) remarked to reporters on Friday.
Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.)
Peters is a key target for Republicans in their quest for Democratic support. As he is set to retire at the end of his term, there’s less political risk for him in this situation. He had previously been among the Democrats who voted in March to keep the government open.
Peters is also involved in discussions regarding the expired Enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, advocating for solutions that include concessions. He participated in a Senate floor meeting with about a dozen others looking for ways to resolve the shutdown.
However, several challenges remain, with both houses reluctant to move forward as extensions are debated. “There are trust issues in the Senate and the House, so we need to navigate that,” Peters stated, highlighting the importance of building confidence in the negotiation process.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)
Shaheen is similarly positioned to Peters and has been a significant focus for Republicans. While she has indicated she’ll vote against the House CR, she is viewed as someone who could facilitate potential agreements on ACA subsidies necessary for a government reopening.
“I think this is an opportunity for us to communicate,” Shaheen noted, emphasizing the need for bipartisan discussions that address critical healthcare issues, particularly around premium tax credits, which could see drastic increases if not resolved. Like Peters, she also voted for the Stop Gap bill in March.
Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.)
Hassan is expected to align with her fellow New Hampshire senators if they decide to back the GOP CR. Known for her notable position in Capitol Hill discussions, she is currently holding firm with the Democratic Caucus while echoing Shaheen’s sentiments regarding a bipartisan approach.
“We need to work together to secure a deal that protects healthcare and prevents premium increases,” she said, mirroring the concerns expressed by her colleagues.
Senator John Ossoff (D-Ga.)
Ossoff presents a different case, given his focus on a crucial upcoming Senate race in 2026. He is likely to face off against a Republican candidate and hasn’t shown a willingness to break ranks. Ossoff is calling for strong leadership from the White House in resolving this issue.
“The president ought to be in discussions with Congress leaders,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for unified action.
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
Durbin is viewed as a tough acquisition for Republicans, despite their belief that he might be swayed. As he approaches retirement at the end of his term, he enjoys less political pressure compared to others in leadership.
He had backed the spending bill in March and historically aligns with Democratic leadership. If Durbin were to support the current CR, it would be seen as a departure from party lines.
“Healthcare is vital, and I intend to continue supporting the CR,” he asserted, while expressing concern about the lack of productive initial dialogues with Republicans. “I have yet to see significant progress,” he added, noting that conversations seem stagnant.
