Senate GOP Proposes New Strategy to End Shutdown

Senate Republicans are exploring new strategies to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, which has now surpassed 37 days. According to CBS News, Senate Republicans are planning a critical vote on a House-passed continuing resolution that seeks to extend government funding beyond November 21. The goal is to amend this resolution to include long-term appropriations bills, potentially enticing moderate Democrats to break the stalemate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed cautious optimism about garnering enough Democratic support to proceed with the vote, stating, "My hopes and expectations are always that we're going to have enough Democrats to actually proceed, but I don't know, we'll see." However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to a vote on extending health care subsidies, which has raised concerns among Democrats regarding the viability of the Senate's promise to hold a vote on health care in the future.

Additionally, Republicans have discussed the possibility of modifying the Senate's filibuster rules to facilitate a government funding vote with a simple majority, but this change is seen as unlikely. Thune and other Republican senators are waiting for a response from Democrats to determine if they should continue negotiations through the weekend. The dynamics within the Democratic caucus have shifted following their recent electoral victories, which some members believe provide them with leverage to stand firm on health care demands. As reported by The Atlantic, Democrats are wary of striking a deal that might not meet their original health care objectives, especially after voters showed support for their stance on health care during recent elections.

Despite these political maneuvers, the pressure is mounting as the shutdown continues to affect millions of Americans. The Federal Aviation Administration announced that it will require airlines to reduce domestic operations by 10% at 40 airports due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay. This could lead to significant disruptions in air travel just ahead of the holiday season. In light of these developments, Senate Democrats are divided on how to approach the negotiations, with some moderates seeking a resolution while progressives urge caution against compromising on health care issues. As stated by Senator Bernie Sanders, any potential vote on health care subsidies should come with a commitment from Republican leaders to support the extension. The landscape remains fluid, with both parties grappling to navigate the complexities of the shutdown while addressing the pressing needs of their constituents. The next few days will be critical as the Senate prepares for its key vote, attempting to break the deadlock and reopen the government, though uncertainty remains about the outcome of those negotiations.