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On Tuesday, Senate Democrats thwarted Republicans’ 13th attempt to reopen the government, despite nearly a week of deliberation and approaching critical deadlines.
As the shutdown reached its 28th day, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) sought to advance the House-passed continuing resolution (CR), but was again obstructed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and his Democratic colleagues.
The failed attempt coincided with air traffic controllers missing their first paycheck, while military personnel are set to miss their first full payday on Friday. Additionally, federal nutrition benefits face a deadline on Saturday, coinciding with the start of nationwide open enrollment for Obamacare.
In response to the shutdown, Republicans are contemplating a series of individual bills aimed at providing pay to troops, certain federal employees, air traffic controllers, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. However, the likelihood of these proposals being brought to a vote remains uncertain.
Thune expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of these piecemeal approaches, stating, “There’s not a high level of interest in doing carve-outs or so-called rifle shots. Most people recognize the way to get out of this mess is to open up the government.”
Despite this, some lawmakers are optimistic about their proposals to compensate parts of the federal workforce. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), whose bill aims to pay air traffic controllers, expressed hope that it would receive a vote. Similarly, Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) is working on a revised bill to pay federal workers and troops, although he remains doubtful about its passage.
Johnson stated, “I want to make this permanent. Let’s stop, again, let’s take the ability to punish federal employees because of our dysfunction away forever.” He noted that he was negotiating with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) on a compromise, but was not optimistic.
Schumer criticized Republicans before the vote, blaming President Donald Trump for being abroad and impeding progress on reopening the government. He also reproached Thune for reintroducing the same bill, asserting that Democrats are seeking a solid agreement to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies.
“It’s a partisan bill and does nothing, most importantly, does nothing to solve the [Obamacare] crisis,” Schumer remarked. He emphasized that Democrats’ demands align with the desires of a significant portion of Americans, including nearly 60% of MAGA voters, who want lower healthcare costs now.
