In an urgent bid to resolve the prolonged government shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced on Saturday that senators would remain in session until a breakthrough is achieved. As the shutdown drags into its 39th day, the stalemate persists with no clear resolution in sight.
Responding to inquiries about the lawmakers’ schedule, Thune confirmed that senators would stay in Washington until a deal is reached, despite plans to recess around Veterans Day. This commitment underscores the urgency of the situation as the Senate gathered for an unusual Saturday session, following a tumultuous Friday filled with twists in the negotiation process.
On Friday, a proposal from Democrats aimed to extend enhanced health care subsidies for a year, set to expire by the end of December. This proposal also included a clean continuing resolution alongside a three-bill package of full-year spending plans, commonly referred to as a “minibus.”
However, Republicans quickly dismissed this offer, prompting a bipartisan group of lawmakers to continue discussions through the night. Thune emphasized that the immediate priority is to finalize and release the text of the minibus, with hopes of conducting a vote over the weekend.
Despite the challenges, Thune expressed optimism, noting that the ongoing bipartisan discussions have been “positive,” hinting at potential progress toward resolving the impasse.
Thune added that bipartisan talks that took place overnight have been “positive.”
“The question is whether we can have everything ready to go,” Thune said, noting that he’s been in discussions with appropriators about minibus text. “We’re getting close to having it ready. Ideally, it’d be great to set it up so we could vote today, but we have to … have the votes to actually pass it.”
“I don’t have anything for you in terms of a definitive time frame except to say that text has to get out and then we’ve got to hope we have the necessary votes,” he added.
The GOP leader also declined to say when the proposed short-term continuing resolution will run through. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) told reporters that consensus has emerged in the conference around a Jan. 30 end-date.
Prior to the Democratic push toward a deal featuring a one-year tax credit extension, negotiators were discussing the contours of a deal centered around a new continuing resolution, an attached minibus and a vote on a bill to extend the tax credits. Thune has been adamant that he can guarantee Democrats a “process,” but not an “outcome” that involves passing a tax credit extension.
