Senate Republicans are gearing up to challenge Democrats again with a vote targeting funding for military and essential workers, aiming to create divisions within the Democratic ranks and help end the government shutdown.
While the bill’s chances seem slim, Republicans believe it might highlight fractures in the Democratic opposition.
“It’s not an easy vote for them,” remarked Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a close supporter of Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-Okla.). “By paying essential workers, you’re essentially backing up a large part of the government.”
Thune, with a hint of humor, remarked to The Hill, “Shouldn’t this be straightforward?”
“This is about compensating everyone who works. It’s tough to understand why they’re standing against it,” he added, noting that the district has often shown support for Democrats. “The Democratic approach to the shutdown feels quite different this time around. It’s as if they can’t accept a ‘yes.’ Hopefully, they’ll be ready to agree on Thursday.”
The Senate has approached House Republicans’ funding bills with 11 votes, and the 12th is set for Wednesday, maintaining a consistent voting pattern. Notably, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), and Sen. Angus King (Maine) have generally sided with Republican proposals.
Meanwhile, Democrats are advocating for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire soon, which could raise health costs for many. Republicans have made it clear they won’t consider such terms to reopen the government.
Even within the Democratic camp, there’s a recognition that upcoming votes might be challenging.
“This is a recurring situation whenever we face shutdowns,” acknowledged Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “It will test us, that’s for sure.”
He stressed the importance of dialogue, saying, “We need to move beyond a standstill. Both sides must come together to work this out.” Still, he hesitated to say he would back the bill, muttering about reaching a point where a clear resolution is essential.
A slight shift occurred last week when Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) teamed up with Republicans on a procedural vote for the defense spending bill.
However, concerns linger among many Democrats regarding the pay bill, particularly that it might grant more authority to Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, in determining who gets compensation across the federal sector.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) voiced his worries, asking, “Does this just allow Donald Trump to decide which federal workers are compensated?” He underscored the need for federal employees to be paid without allowing the President to make those decisions.
Democrats are anticipated to propose alternative legislation leading up to the vote, with Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) working on a bill aimed at compensating all federal workers, not just those remaining on duty during the shutdown.
“Federal employees shouldn’t bear the brunt of the shutdown,” Van Hollen commented. “We’re actively addressing this.”
It remains uncertain if Democrats will support the bill, as they had previously shown favor for a continuing resolution paired with the House-passed proposal.
Van Hollen asserted that without a vote, it’s clear they’re not engaging seriously.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer mentioned that he and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have reached out to the White House, seeking a follow-up meeting with President Trump.
Democrats view Trump as a pivotal figure in resolving the gridlock, especially since Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) seem reluctant to address the health care issues.
“Hakeem and I contacted the president today to encourage him to negotiate seriously about resolving the health crisis and ending the shutdown,” Schumer stated. “Conditions are worsening day by day. He should arrange to sit down with us before he leaves.”
When asked about potential changes in strategy, Thune appeared resolute, saying, “Plan B is to reopen the government,” insisting they would discuss other options afterward.
Schumer countered that his party remains firmly opposed, pointing out the rising premiums families face as the November 1 public offering approaches. As more states unveil their health insurance rates soon, Democratic leaders believe this will amplify negative sentiments towards Republicans.
For Republicans, the upcoming bill is seen as a favorable move regardless of the outcome.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) remarked, “These are patriotic Americans. Expecting them to serve and denying their pay seems pretty heartless. It just underscores the absurdity of their position.”
