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Senate GOP Rejects Democrats’ One-Year ACA Subsidy Offer to Reopen Government

Democrats demand an ACA subsidy extension in exchange for ending the shutdown.

Overview

  • Chuck Schumer proposed simultaneous votes to fund the government and extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for one year, with a bipartisan committee to pursue longer-term reforms.
  • Republican leaders, including John Thune, labeled the plan a non-starter and insisted health policy negotiations occur only after the government reopens, offering instead a future vote on subsidies.
  • A procedural effort to advance a bill guaranteeing pay for excepted federal workers and active-duty military failed in the Senate, 53–43, short of the 60 votes required.
  • The shutdown that began Oct. 1 remains the longest on record, straining federal operations, disrupting pay for hundreds of thousands of workers, and prompting FAA flight reductions.
  • President Trump urged Republicans to remain in Washington and consider ending the filibuster to pass a GOP-only reopening, but party leaders say they lack the votes to change Senate rules.