Senate Republicans Adjust Plans Amidst Government Reopening Discussions
Senate Republicans were gearing up for a vote on the House-endorsed government reopening bill this Friday, but things are looking a bit different now. Senate Democrats have indicated they would prefer to postpone the vote for a while longer.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, representing South Dakota, decided to adjourn the Senate floor, originally for an unusual Friday session, intending to bring the continuing resolution (CR) from the House to a vote for the fifteenth time.
However, following a closed-door meeting among Senate Democrats on Thursday, which reportedly left them feeling more unified, Thune expressed that “we need to get the Democrats back on board.” This certainly indicates a shift in dynamics.
Bipartisan discussions between Republicans and a few moderate Democratic senators had gained some traction recently, hinting at progress amidst the ongoing government shutdown concerns. Yet, the outcomes of Tuesday’s general election and mounting pressure from the more progressive members of the Democratic caucus might have complicated matters significantly.
“All I know is yesterday’s lunchtime pep rally seemed to shift some perspectives,” Thune remarked. “We had been accommodating their requests, and it felt like we were getting close to an agreement. But after yesterday, everything just kind of unraveled.”
Thune’s comments came amid a whirlwind of activity under the surface. Originally, the plan included a CR and three spending bills in what is referred to as a minibus package, but proposals and requests from Senate Democrats have slowed things down considerably.
Some Senate Republicans are hesitant about re-addressing the previous bill without any notable advancements. “I don’t see the point in voting on the same thing again,” pointed out Senator Mike Rounds from South Dakota.
The growing uncertainty coincides with the Senate approaching its scheduled break for next week’s Veterans Day, with lingering questions about whether Thune will keep lawmakers available over the weekend. If no vote happens on Friday, it may be pushed to Saturday.
Thune indicated, “Members will be urged to join if voting is required. We’ll see how the next few days unfold and if there’s a way for Democrats to re-engage.” In an alternate scenario, they might consider voting on Senator Ron Johnson’s proposal to continue paying federal workers and military personnel during the ongoing shutdown. Though it faced opposition from Senate Democrats last month, Johnson has been revising the bill with his colleagues and aims to present amendments that include furloughed federal employees.
Johnson expressed a desire to pass this bill quickly, either through unanimous consent or by voice vote—both methods that do not need a full roll-call vote. “Every Republican senator supports this bill, and I sincerely hope the same applies to Democratic senators,” he stated. “If not, we’ll call for a roll call to see which senators might be using federal employees as political pawns, jeopardizing the safety of Americans.”
The Senate Democrats’ primary demand revolves around extending expiring Obamacare subsidies in exchange for government reopening. Republicans, including Thune, have suggested addressing the aid bill only once the government is back up and running, but many Senate Democrats feel that isn’t adequate. Consequently, the situation remains in a tenuous state as decisions loom.
Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut noted, “Republicans seem unclear on their next steps. We could resolve this issue in about an hour. Why resist preventing premium hikes? It’s frankly outrageous.”
