Senate Republicans Push Final Budget Plan to Prevent Government Shutdown Over Obamacare Funding

In just a matter of hours before a possible federal government shutdown, Senate Republicans will offer Democrats a final chance to back their budget plan so the government can keep operating past midnight. But in the Capitol, not everyone believes the Democrats will meet them halfway.

The tension between the parties in recent weeks has centered on billions of dollars in subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act reform and overall Obamacare funding. Now the risk of a government shutdown is more real than at any time in recent years.

A last-minute deal was scotched by Monday’s White House meeting with President Donald Trump and key leaders of both chambers, which did not lead to progress on funding. Ahead of the midnight deadline, the Senate must vote again on the funding plan from the majority, which Democrats had previously rejected.

The move by Senate Majority Leader John Thune to lean on his opponent, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is blocking the plan on the current terms without commitments to extend Obamacare subsidies, reflects the uncertainty in solving this crisis. Schumer said the outcome depends on the President and the leaders of his party.

“Right now, it’s all in the president’s hands. He can avert a government shutdown if he secures the approval of the Republican majority leader for what we are seeking.”

After that, Republicans accused Schumer of using government funding as leverage for his demands and emphasized that any negotiations over tax credits should not affect the opening of the government.

Even one of the most vocal advocates for extending Obamacare subsidies, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, expressed doubts about the wisdom of dragging the government into this issue.

“I don’t see what a government shutdown has to do with this.”

When asked whether there was room for negotiations on Obamacare subsidies before the midnight deadline, Republican Senator John Kennedy replied: “Unless Chuck stops smoking the magic weed.”

“Unless Chuck stops smoking the magic weed”

Democrats insisted that any health-care agreement be codified into law so the president truly fulfills his obligations. They warned that without proper guarantees the government may be forced to cut spending or limit services.

“We must address the health-care crisis. We cannot leave Vermonters and Americans without basic services,” said Democratic Senator Peter Welch. “We need the President to confirm that he is obligated to follow what Congress allows.”

“We must address the health-care crisis. We cannot afford to fall into an abyss; millions of lives would be at risk.”

Republican leaders in the Senate said they were willing to consider a seven-week funding extension, as long as Democrats sign onto certain conditions. They believe Democrats would eventually buckle under the pressure of the public consequences of the loss of basic services and the furlough of federal workers.

The GOP bill, which had previously passed the House, would extend government funding through late November without major policy changes. Democrats are alarmed by possible reductions in Medicaid rebates and restrictions on their spending authority without Capitol Hill’s approval.

After closed-door meetings, leaders of both parties continued to push opponents to hold another vote on a temporary bill. “This is how it will be,” said Senate Speaker John Barrasso in response to reporters’ questions, “we will keep voting until the government is open again.”

“This is how it will be”

Returning from the closed meeting, Senator Markwayne Mullin supported the tactic: “We’ll be back on the floor if the package isn’t pushed through on Tuesday. There is no other option.”

Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota also weighed in, predicting that even with a government shutdown, Democrats will not be able to hold the line for long: “If a shutdown happens, it will be short-lived, as 47 Democrats are unlikely to want to risk funding the government.”

All actions by politicians in Washington unfold against the backdrop of the looming deadline. Analysts have not yet offered clear forecasts, but the reality points to a government shutdown being a serious test for both parties and their voters.