Democrats say they’re ready to end the US shutdown, but only on ONE condition
As the weeks-long US government shutdown continues to disrupt daily life, Democrats have floated a new proposal to reopen the federal government — but with a major condition.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Friday said Democrats are prepared to vote to end the shutdown in exchange for a one-year extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, a key component of the Obama-era health law.
“All Republicans have to do is say yes,” Schumer told reporters, according to the Associated Press.
The offer comes amid growing urgency to ease the strain caused by the shutdown — from airport delays and unpaid federal workers to stalled food aid for millions of Americans.
What Democrats Are Proposing
The Democratic plan would include simultaneous votes to reopen the government and extend health care subsidies for one year. It would also establish a bipartisan committee to address Republican demands for changes to the ACA.
The proposal, spearheaded by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), combines the ACA tax credit extension with a short-term funding measure and a set of appropriations bills. Democrats have held out for 38 days, seeking assurances that the ACA subsidies — set to expire on January 1 — will be renewed.
Republican Response
Republican leaders, who are only a few votes short of the number needed to fund the government, have so far refused to link health care negotiations with reopening the government. They have insisted that Democrats first vote to end the shutdown.
Instead, Republicans are preparing to introduce a new bipartisan funding package, with a test vote expected as early as Friday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he plans to keep the Senate in session through the weekend, citing President Donald Trump’s call for Republicans to resolve the crisis quickly.
The shutdown — now in its sixth week — has become one of the longest in US history, with no immediate end in sight despite growing bipartisan frustration.