The Senate on Monday extended the government shutdown into its second week as Democrats blocked the GOP’s “clean” stopgap bill for a fifth time.
The measure, which would have funded the government at current spending levels through late November, failed 52-42, nearly identical to prior votes since the shutdown began last Wednesday.
Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Angus King (I-ME), and John Fetterman (D-PA) again broke ranks to vote with Republicans, as they had in previous shutdown votes. No other Democrats joined them, frustrating party leaders seeking broader support. Democrats continue to demand that the stopgap bill include an extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits set to expire at year’s end.
“I’m wondering just what exactly Democrats think they’re gaining from all of this. I guess they’re getting points from the far-left interest groups they’ve been coordinating their shutdown strategy with,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on the floor earlier Monday. “But I highly doubt that they’re earning a lot of points with everyday, hardworking Americans.”
The vote underscored the ongoing stalemate between parties. Despite informal talks among lawmakers, Sen. John Thune said there’s no reason to meet with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer yet. The Senate also rejected the Democratic stopgap bill along party lines, which tied health care measures to government funding.
“We’re ready to work with Republicans to reopen the government and end the health care crisis that faces tens of millions of Americans,” Schumer said in floor remarks. “But it takes two sides to have a negotiation. We need the Senate Republicans and House Republicans — and the president — to come to the table.”
With talks stalled, Democrats are urging President Trump to take a more active role as GOP leaders John Thune and Mike Johnson hold firm. On Monday, Trump signaled he’s open to a deal on extending ACA tax credits, a key Democratic demand.
“We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things. And I’m talking about good things with regard to health care,” Trump said in the Oval Office.
