After departing the Senate floor, Thune indicated that the chamber might continue its sessions into the weekend should there be any indication of advancement in reaching a deal.
“Our schedule will depend somewhat on developments,” Thune remarked. “If there’s a clear route to a vote, whether that occurs today, tomorrow, or Saturday, we’ll remain in session to make it happen. All possibilities are currently being considered.”
The present proposal under discussion involves linking a vote to reopen the government with a set of three appropriations bills. This plan also includes a commitment to hold a future vote on the extension of health care tax credits. Republicans are optimistic that this offer will garner enough Democratic support to break the deadlock.
Thune emphasized that while he cannot “guarantee” Democrats a specific outcome regarding health care tax credit extensions, he can assure them of a procedural route.
“The most straightforward approach concerning the Affordable Care Act issue is to secure a vote, resume government operations, and then meet with the President at the White House for discussions,” he elaborated. “This current strategy of holding things hostage must come to an end.”
When questioned about whether there are sufficient Democrats willing to collaborate with Republicans to reopen the government, Thune responded, “I believe there are Democrats inclined to make the right decision. However, they are under significant pressure from the left.”
Thune reiterated that he “can’t guarantee” Democrats “an outcome” on extending health care tax credits, but he can “guarantee them a process.”
“I think the clear path forward here with regard to the ACA issue is, they get a vote and we open up the government and we head down to the White House and sit down with the president and talk about it,” he added. “Right now, this hostage-taking has got to stop.”
Asked if there are enough Democrats who are willing to join Republicans to open the government, Thune said “I think there are Democrats who are inclined to do the right thing. They’re under an enormous amount of pressure from the left.”
He added: “There is a group, I believe, who really wants to, in my view, do the right thing and get this over with. So we’ll see if they hold sway today, and hopefully we’ll know more about that as the day rolls on.”
