Senate Republicans, under the leadership of John Thune, are pushing a full-year government spending bill as a way to end the current federal shutdown, but their strategy is facing resistance from Democrats.
Thune has offered Democrats a standalone vote on extending Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, a top Democratic demand, but stated he would not negotiate the details while the government remains closed.
The GOP’s plan seeks to fund the government through the year by passing major appropriations bills piecemeal, rather than continuing the short-term stopgap measures (continuing resolutions) that have failed repeatedly.
Democrats have responded by blocking efforts to move forward. Their position is that funding cannot resume without securing health care subsidy extensions and related policy measures.
In recent procedural moves, Republicans attempted to advance a defense spending bill that would fund the Pentagon for the full year, but Democrats blocked debate. Thune is now aiming to package multiple appropriations items in one vote to increase pressure on Senate Democrats.
The impasse continues as the shutdown drags on, with both parties blaming the other for stalling progress and federal employees facing increasing uncertainty.
