A potential deal to end the ongoing government shutdown has emerged as senators continue negotiations. The deal would involve funding the government and passing long-term appropriations bills in exchange for a vote on extending health insurance tax credits, which Democrats have been demanding. This comes as the shutdown, which is on track to become the longest in history, has been a point of contention between the two parties.
A bipartisan group of senators has been working on a solution, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressing optimism that a deal is near. However, Republicans argue that Democrats are delaying their support until after the midterm elections to avoid discouraging their base from voting. A 14th attempt to advance the GOP-backed continuing resolution failed on Tuesday, with no new Democratic support.
After a closed-door meeting, Senate Democrats remained tight-lipped about a potential deal. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that they are exploring all options. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, expressed confidence that the shutdown would end this week, citing the willingness of some Democratic friends to vote in the previous week.
The bipartisan discussions focus on a 'minibus' package, which includes three full-year appropriations bills. One bill would fund military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs, another would fund the legislative branch, and the third would fund the FDA and Department of Agriculture. This approach aims to demonstrate Republicans' commitment to bipartisan long-term funding.
Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican appropriator, has been actively working on the issue. She believes that passing the appropriations bills would effectively break the logjam. However, Republicans still need to secure votes from at least five more Democrats to pass a short-term measure to reopen the government.
Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican involved in the talks, suggested that the appropriations package could encourage Democrats to vote for something other than a continuing resolution, providing a path forward beyond the health care tax credits vote. Republicans have emphasized a return to the regular appropriations process, aiming to pass all 12 full-year funding bills.
Despite the progress, the continuing resolution would only fund the government until November 21, leaving little time for full-year funding. Senate appropriator Susan Collins suggested a December deadline, which could increase the chances of resolving the funding fight through individual bills. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson ruled out a December continuing resolution due to concerns about pre-holiday deadlines.
Overall, senators reported more productive talks, but the details remain scarce. Optimism persists that a deal will be reached this week, but any single senator could potentially slow down the process, pushing the impasse into the following week.
