Partisan tensions in Washington are complicating efforts to avert a government shutdown.
Both Republicans and Democrats are standing firm, each blaming the other side for the stalemate.
Democrats have rejected a GOP proposal to maintain current government funding levels until November 21.
They argue that the onus is on the Republicans, who currently control both the White House and Congress, to spearhead negotiations. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) remarked on Tuesday, “They’re in charge. They have to initiate talks. Their absence from these discussions is clear evidence of their lack of seriousness.”
Echoing this sentiment, Representative James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) stated, “Trump needs to engage in negotiations. He’s built a reputation on making deals.”
In response, GOP leaders say they need more time to secure long-term bipartisan agreements and describe their aim for a “clean” continuing resolution as a way to buy time.
They maintain that discussions regarding Obamacare tax credits won’t happen amid the shutdown. “We won’t engage in negotiations while they hold the federal government hostage,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told CNBC on Tuesday. “Only after releasing the hostages can we discuss how to proceed.”
The deeply rooted positions of both parties create considerable uncertainty regarding the duration of the shutdown and the path needed to resolve it.
Republicans speculate that Democrats might cave under pressure, especially if the impact of the shutdown becomes more evident to the public.
Delays in military pay could serve as a crucial pressure point. While service members have historically received back pay, they risk missing their next paycheck by October 15 unless Congress intervenes promptly.
Representative Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) mentioned that the ongoing situation will only shift when Democrats realize the consequences of their inaction.
Conversely, Democrats hope that voters will rally against President Trump, particularly regarding health benefits that are at risk. “For there to be meaningful Democratic participation, Republicans need to negotiate,” asserted Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). “This principle is why we were elected.”
Comparing the current situation to previous shutdowns, Griffith noted that “this feels different to me.” The last significant shutdown lasted 35 days during Trump’s first term, primarily impacting air travel due to staffing shortages.
In January 2018, a shorter three-day shutdown occurred amid negotiations about DACA protections for young immigrants. Ultimately, Democrats agreed to reopen the government following negotiations that promised future legislation for these protections, which never materialized.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) expressed hope for negotiations to begin after a failed suspension bill in the Senate.
Some Democrats, like Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), indicated that they might support a “clean” continuing resolution if Republicans agree to address Obamacare subsidies in future budget negotiations. However, such voices are not common, as many Democrats remain skeptical of Trump’s commitment to any deals regarding healthcare.
“I doubt their sincerity,” remarked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Notably, the willingness of some Republican leaders to discuss expanding Obamacare subsidies, which many conservatives oppose, hints that this issue could be pivotal in reaching a deal to reopen the government.
“Republicans need to find a solution for the ACA,” stated Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).
Some moderate Republicans have backed a proposal to extend enhanced premium tax credits; however, many within the party view this as a challenging issue, given their opposition to Obamacare.
The resistance to the ACA is deeply rooted in Republican ideology, having previously been a central theme during a 16-day shutdown under former President Obama in 2013.
With the funding deadline approaching on November 21, signals from Republican leaders suggest they might be open to discussing the future of tax credits, possibly as part of a broader deal should a stopgap measure pass.
Thune mentioned that Republicans would “address” tax credits and be willing to negotiate on this front outside of the shutdown context.
