In a tense standoff threatening to disrupt millions of lives, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is reaching out to Democrats with a potential lifeline—offering a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies to finally break the crippling government shutdown. But can guarantees really bridge the divide? Let's dive into the details and uncover why this move might not be enough to quell the storm.
Thune revealed in a Thursday morning interview on MSNBC (which you can watch here: https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/sen-thune-considers-future-vote-on-extending-health-care-subsidies-250003525780) that he's extended an olive branch to the Democrats by proposing a floor vote on renewing the Affordable Care Act's premium subsidies. This, he explained, aims to tackle what Democrats see as their top concern amid the ongoing impasse. However, Thune made it clear that while he could ensure the vote happens by a specific date, he couldn't promise a successful outcome. Taped the day before, the interview captured Thune saying, 'I've told them. I said, and I've said, "We are willing to have the conversation." I've said, "If you need a vote, we can guarantee you get a vote by a date certain." At some point Democrats have to take yes for an answer.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is demanding an ironclad guarantee of passage a fair ask in the messy world of politics, or is it just another hurdle in an already polarized arena?
Democrats have been pushing hard for health care fixes to shield low- and middle-income Americans from skyrocketing premiums, seeing this as essential before they'll back any funding bills. As the shutdown stretches into its 16th day, their stance remains firm, with no signs of backing down. For those new to how government shutdowns work, imagine the federal machine grinding to a halt—workers on unpaid leave, essential services strained, and economic ripples affecting everyone from small businesses to everyday families relying on benefits.
The Senate has already rejected the GOP's funding proposal eight times on Wednesday, setting the stage for another round on Thursday. Thune is switching tactics this time, introducing a procedural vote on legislation that would fully fund the Department of Defense for the entire year, securing paychecks for our troops. This isn't just another shutdown-related ballot; it's a step toward 'regular order' appropriations, the standard way Congress passes annual bills to keep operations running smoothly. If this gains Senate approval, Thune plans to attach funding for other agencies through this same orderly process on the floor.
In his MSNBC chat, Thune emphasized that getting the government back on track is key to sparking talks about health care improvements. He's committed to discussion but not to any predetermined results. 'There is a path forward, I believe, but it has to include reforms, and can I guarantee an outcome? No. And that's what people want to see—guarantee us that this is going to pass,' he noted. 'I can't guarantee it's going to pass. I can guarantee you that there will be a process and you will get a vote.'
And this is the part most people miss: The subtle dance between process and promises. While Thune insists on reforms to curb costs, Democrats argue that without assured fixes, the risks—like premium hikes—could hurt vulnerable populations even more. Is this a genuine negotiation or a strategic stall?
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Thune's stance during his Thursday briefing, stressing that no health care results can be assured at this stage. 'It's not possible for Leader Thune to guarantee to Chuck Schumer some outcome on that, because we haven't finished those deliberations. I mean, that's just as simple as it is,' Johnson stated.
Thune pointed out there's shared interest across the aisle in controlling health care expenses, but he believes adjustments are necessary. These conversations, he added, can only truly begin once the shutdown is resolved. To put this in perspective for beginners, think of it like fixing a leaky roof—you can't really negotiate the repair details while water is pouring in; you need to stop the flood first.
Diving into related matters, Thune fielded questions about the White House's efforts to claw back funds that Congress had already allocated—a practice known as rescissions that has Democrats wary of cooperation. While not directly calling for an end to this, Thune expressed a preference for the traditional appropriations route. 'The rescission power is something that constitutionally the president has—the question of whether they use it or not—yeah, I mean, that's obviously something I think that they would need to talk to the White House about,' he said. He mentioned ongoing dialogues with the administration, arguing that a standard process benefits everyone, including the White House, by fostering buy-in from all parties.
As the interview unfolded, the House was wrapping up its third week-long break. Thune, when asked if this recess was wise, deferred to Johnson's judgment. 'There isn't anything right now. They did their job. They passed their bill. The game is in the Senate,' he replied.
Thune also avoided committing to a swift end to the shutdown, declining to promise resolution by Thanksgiving when pressed by host Ali Vitali. 'I hope it doesn't last through Thanksgiving, because that's going to be a lot of harm to the American people,' he said, highlighting the real-world pain such delays inflict.
ABC News' Lauren Peller contributed to this report.
What do you think—should Democrats accept Thune's offer without a guaranteed win, or is holding out for more a necessary stance? And on a controversial note, does relying on rescissions give too much power to the executive branch, potentially undermining congressional authority? Share your views in the comments below—do you agree with Thune's approach, or see it as a missed opportunity for compromise? Let's discuss!
