Hopes for ending the 38-day government shutdown dimmed on Friday after Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s latest proposal was swiftly rejected by
Republicans. Schumer offered to reopen the government in exchange for a one-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a compromise meant to protect health coverage for millions while allowing talks on long-term healthcare reforms to continue. Schumer’s plan would see Democrats support a short-term GOP funding bill if Republicans agreed to preserve ACA premium tax credits through 2026 and establish a bipartisan committee to address healthcare affordability. “Let’s find a path to honor both positions,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. “This proposal reopens the government and ensures working families get certainty and financial relief while open enrollment has begun.” Republicans, however, dismissed the offer within hours. “Senator Schumer’s demands are ridiculous and equivalent to political hostage-taking,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), adding, “We should not continue flooding health insurance companies with taxpayer dollars under Obamacare.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) called the proposal a “non-starter,” saying it was “nowhere close to what we need to do.” The Trump administration also rejected the proposal, accusing Democrats of “holding the American people hostage for other spending.” A White House official described it as “a huge climbdown” by Schumer amid mounting political pressure following Democratic victories in key state elections earlier this week. President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social, urging Senate Republicans to stay in Washington until a deal is reached, or to eliminate the filibuster altogether. “If they can’t reach a deal, Republicans should terminate the filibuster immediately and take care of our Great American Workers!” he wrote. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) defended Schumer’s plan, calling it “a very reasonable, good faith proposal” and blaming the GOP for prolonging the shutdown. “House Republicans need to get back to work and end this outrageous six-week taxpayer-funded vacation,” Jeffries said.
