Senate’s Weekend Session Struggles Amid Government Shutdown

The Senate is navigating an unusual weekend session, still at a standstill as members seek a resolution for the ongoing government shutdown.

Behind the scenes, lawmakers are drafting three spending bills to attach to the House-passed continuing resolution (CR), along with an extension that could allow government agencies to reopen until either December or January.

It’s unclear if a vote on this updated CR and spending package will happen today. Senate Democrats are expected to block it, just as they have done multiple times in the past. This situation unfolds as the Senate plans to adjourn for a week to honor Veterans Day.

Democrats Oppose Republican Bill for Federal Worker Pay

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R.S.D., is pushing to keep lawmakers on-site until the shutdown is resolved.

When asked about the potential for a vote on this plan, Thune expressed a desire to get the package on the floor, adding, “we need a vote to actually pass it.” Republicans seem hesitant to present the CR only for it to fail again.

“I’ve been in discussions all morning with the relevant people, and I think it’s almost ready,” Thune stated. “We just need to publish the text.”

Buoyed by a significant Election Day win, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D.Y., and his caucus are sticking with their plan to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies for a year and to create a bipartisan task force to negotiate next steps post-reopening.

However, Senate Republicans swiftly dismissed this approach. Thune labeled it a “non-starter,” while others in the party expressed their frustration.

Sen. Eric Schmidt, R-Mo., mentioned he would reach out to President Trump to request cuts to funding for certain “pet projects” benefitting federal workers in blue states as the shutdown drags on.

Schumer’s Alternative Shutdown Proposal

In a notable statement, Schumer remarked, “The idea that a bunch of suicide bombers, emboldened by an election won by a Democrat in a Democratic area, are going to burn this whole place down is just insane.”

Despite Schumer’s comments, Senate Democrats weren’t surprised by the Republican rejection.

“Many Republicans rushed to turn this proposal down, which would be a terrible mistake,” Schumer remarked.

Throughout the 39-day shutdown, Thune and his colleagues have insisted they would address subsidies only after the government reopens, suggesting that after that point, Schumer and Senate Democrats could vote on healthcare legislation.

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., expressed a lack of surprise, noting, “They don’t want to help people with their medical care.”

On the Republican side, there are concerns that extending enhanced subsidies, which were modified under Biden during the pandemic, would primarily benefit insurance companies.

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is seeking to collaborate with Senate Democrats on a path forward as they look to activate government funding for three crucial spending bills.

Thune Comments on Government Shutdown

Thune remarked, “the wheels have come off” as they consider their next steps regarding the government shutdown.

Schumer, during the rollout of the Democrats’ plan, questioned who has benefited since Obamacare’s implementation, asserting that it hasn’t been the people.

Responding, Britt pointed out that insurance companies have gained while questioning why there is a push to continue benefits without addressing the needs of the people served.

Despite the disagreements, Senate Democrats believe their proposal is reasonable.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., commented that some in his caucus favor a multi-year extension, while others simply want more subsidies. He expressed frustration that neither Schumer nor Thune seems willing to negotiate meaningfully, stating, “Politically, it’s advantageous for them. I still don’t get why they wouldn’t accept the offer.”