Thune reveals to MSNBC he’s offered Democrats a vote on Obamacare subsidies

Senate Majority Leader John Thune revealed to MSNBC that he has offered Democratic leaders a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, provided certain conditions are met. In an interview on Wednesday, Thune stated that his party is willing to guarantee a vote by a specific date if Democrats agree to accept reforms alongside the subsidy extension.

Thune's comments suggest that he believes the Republicans' initial proposal was not enough for Democrats to support a funding bill, prompting him to propose alternatives. The Senate leader acknowledged that he cannot guarantee the passage of the proposed legislation but can assure Democratic leaders of a process and a vote.

Despite these assurances, Democrats are showing little willingness to compromise, with some expressing distrust over Republicans' intentions to extend the subsidies. Thune's tone was softer on the issue of rising premiums, suggesting that his party does not want people to see their healthcare costs drastically increase.

However, Thune made it clear that he would need changes to the current subsidies, specifically mentioning income caps to qualify for lower Obamacare premiums. He also refused to support a one-year extension of the subsidies, which would cost $35 billion per year. This stance is unlikely to comfort Democrats, who may view such an extension as inadequate.

Thune's comments on the prospect of the shutdown lasting until Thanksgiving did not rule out the possibility, leaving many to wonder when the impasse might be resolved.

the thing with obamacare subsidies is super frustrating... i mean, republicans should just extend them for like 2-3 years without all the drama and conditionals, right? but apparently that's not an option for thune and his party. income caps are a good idea tho, maybe they can do some research on how to implement it in a way that benefits everyone... the thing is, democrats should also be willing to listen to republicans and find common ground instead of just digging in their heels all the time... and shutdowns are just so last century, can't we just have a chill conversation about it?

The whole thing with Obamacare subsidies is getting soooo annoying! It's like, can't we all just get along? I'm not surprised that Thune is trying to compromise, though - he's got a reputation for being pretty reasonable.

I mean, extending the subsidies is one thing, but changing the income caps is a whole different story. Like, what even is up with that? It's like they want people who can afford it to pay more while helping out those who are struggling. Not cool.

And let's not forget about the shutdown drama. It's getting pretty ridiculous how long this has been going on. I just hope someone comes up with a solution soon so we don't have to deal with this for, like, forever.

I'm guessing Thune is trying to appease both parties here, but it's not working out too well. Democrats are being super distrustful of Republicans, and vice versa. It's like they're speaking different languages or something.

So I'm reading this and it's like... Thune is trying to make a deal with Dems but they're all skeptical . He wants them to agree to some changes in exchange for extending the subsidies . But here's the thing, those changes sound pretty extreme like income caps for lower premiums . I'm not sure if that's gonna fly with Democrats . And can we talk about how much this shutdown is costing everyone? $35 billion a year is no joke . It's all so frustrating when politicians can't agree on something simple like healthcare . I just wish they'd find some common ground and get stuff done .

OMG, this is getting SO intense ! I'm totally team Obamacare, you know? But for real, John Thune is trying super hard to make a deal happen...and it's kinda working? I mean, Dems are still being super skeptical about the conditions he's throwing in, but at least he's not stonewalling them like before . The income caps idea is pretty interesting tho...I guess it shows that they're willing to budge a bit . But like, $35 billion per year for a one-year extension? That's some serious cash ! Either way, fingers crossed they can get this thing done by Thanksgiving or I'll be totally stressed

The Republicans are trying to keep their promise to lower healthcare costs for low-income families by capping income levels to qualify for those subsidies . I get where they're coming from - it's like if you were renting a house and someone told you that the rent would be too expensive, so they offered to split the bill with you if you met some conditions. But it's not that easy for people who are struggling to make ends meet .

What concerns me is that this might just push Obamacare subsidies back even further . I mean, Democrats already think Republicans aren't being transparent enough about their intentions - now they're proposing changes that could affect millions of people's lives . We need leaders who will work together to find common ground and keep healthcare costs low for everyone .

The whole thing is so frustrating because it feels like we're stuck in this cycle of stop-and-go politics . Will the subsidies get extended? Will they be capped? Can we trust that Republicans are on our side? It's exhausting trying to follow all the twists and turns .

I mean, it's nice that Thune is offering a "vote" on extending subsidies... I'm sure it has nothing to do with his party wanting to maintain control over the narrative and limit the Democrats' ability to propose real changes. The fact that he's proposing reforms alongside the subsidy extension is just a fancy way of saying they want to keep the ball in their court, but without actually having to play a game of real compromise. And let's be real, who doesn't love the sound of income caps on Obamacare premiums? I'm sure it's not about reducing costs for those who need them most...

man this whole thing is like trying to find common ground in a crowded room ... i mean, Thune's offer is like an olive branch, but it's still gonna take some serious convincing for Democrats to accept those reforms ... it's all about finding that sweet spot where both parties can agree on something ... but what really gets me is the income caps thing - it feels like they're trying to find a middle ground, but who defines 'middle' anyway? ... and then there's this $35 billion per year extension, that's just a big ol' number that doesn't seem to be making anyone too happy ... ultimately, it's all about the people - how can we make sure everyone gets access to affordable healthcare without breaking the bank?

The fact that Thune is willing to offer a vote if Democrats agree to accept reforms alongside the subsidy extension shows he's trying to find common ground But honestly, it feels like a PR move - what's in it for Republicans besides getting some credit for "working across the aisle"? Income caps on subsidies sounds like a pretty radical change, and I'm skeptical that Democrats will go along with that . Plus, $35 billion per year is still a lot of cash, especially when you consider how short-sighted one-year extensions can be

The Senate is at it again ... I mean, can't they just get along for once? Thune's offer sounds like a classic "we'll give you what you want if you compromise with us" move, but honestly, who knows what he really wants? It seems like they're trying to spin the subsidies extension as some kind of big gift, but let's be real, it's still not enough for many people. The income caps thing is a pretty big sticking point, and I can see why Democrats are skeptical about that. And $35 billion? That's just ridiculous ... I mean, who doesn't love throwing around that kind of cash? Either way, the clock is ticking, and we're all stuck waiting for them to figure it out... or not

Ugh, come on guys! Can't we just talk about this stuff like normal people? So Thune is saying that Republicans are willing to compromise and offer a vote on extending those subsidies, but only if Democrats agree to some conditions. Like, what's the harm in trying to find common ground here? He mentions income caps, which I think is a pretty reasonable idea - I mean, why should people with higher incomes get to benefit from lower premiums too? That just doesn't seem fair to those who are actually struggling to make ends meet. And a one-year extension? That's not even in the same league as what they're asking for. It's like he's trying to string them along and then pull the rug out when it's convenient for him... I don't know, man. It just feels like more of the same old politics as usual.

OMG, can you believe this ? Thune is literally trying to find a middle ground, but it feels like he's walking on eggshells. Like, I get it, Democrats are hesitant to compromise, but come on guys, let's not make things more complicated than they need to be. And those income caps tho , that's some serious policy talk right there.

I'm kinda worried about the shutdown situation, though . A whole Thanksgiving with no healthcare? That's just...idk, I don't think anyone wants that. But at the same time, Thune is trying to be the voice of reason here, even if it doesn't seem like it right now.

It's just, you know, when are we gonna have a real discussion about healthcare without all the drama and politics? Can't we just talk about making people healthier and happier?

OMG u guyz !!! Thune's offering a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies is like a total game-changer!!! I'm literally shaking with excitement thinking about it ! He's trying to find common ground with Democrats, which is super cool . And can you even believe he wants to cap income for lower premiums?! That's like, totally fair and reasonable in my book .

I know some ppl r worried about the shutdown, but I'm like... we just gotta keep calm and carry on ! Thune's trying his best, and we should support him for it . And btw, $35 billion is a pretty steep price tag for a one-year extension . It's def gonna be a tough nut to crack, but I'm rooting for the Republicans !

We just gotta wait and see how this whole thing plays out ! Fingers crossed it all works out in the end

I'm like "ok Senate, can we just get this healthcare stuff sorted already? " It feels like we're stuck in some never-ending loop of "can we compromise?" and "nope, I'm good". Meanwhile, people are gonna keep on paying those premiums... or try to, lol. Thune's trying to make nice with the Dems, but it's all about finding that sweet spot where both parties can agree. Income caps? Really? Sounds like a bunch of numbers game . Can we just get an extension already and call it a day? I'm done with this back-and-forth. By the way, Thanksgiving is coming up... who's gonna be lucky enough to avoid a government shutdown?