Senate Majority Leader John Thune has extended an olive branch to Democrats by guaranteeing a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies in exchange for their support for reopening the government, but so far, no one's buying it. The proposal, which is being touted as a "step forward" in negotiations, has been met with skepticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
"I trust no Republican's word as long as Donald Trump is saying he refuses to extend health care tax subsidies," said Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. This sentiment is echoed by other Democrats who are questioning Thune's proposal, which they see as too little, too late. "We're not negotiating in public, plain and simple," said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Despite the lack of enthusiasm from Democrats, there are some subtle signs that progress is being made. For one, Thune's offer marks a shift away from Republican leaders' earlier stance that Democrats need to reopen government before negotiations can begin. Additionally, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed willingness to continue talks on subsidies and Medicaid cuts.
However, even if Senate Democrats were to accept Thune's proposal, there are still major hurdles to overcome. The question of whether the House will follow suit remains a major roadblock. Speaker Mike Johnson refused to guarantee a vote in his chamber, saying only that he would consider it if the government was reopened.
It seems clear that Democrats want more than just a token gesture from Republicans. "We need an ironclad path forward," Jeffries said. And with Republicans having tried 70 different times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, many lawmakers are skeptical of their ability to deliver on this promise. The question remains whether Thune's proposal is enough to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans, or if more will be needed to find common ground.
"I trust no Republican's word as long as Donald Trump is saying he refuses to extend health care tax subsidies," said Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. This sentiment is echoed by other Democrats who are questioning Thune's proposal, which they see as too little, too late. "We're not negotiating in public, plain and simple," said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Despite the lack of enthusiasm from Democrats, there are some subtle signs that progress is being made. For one, Thune's offer marks a shift away from Republican leaders' earlier stance that Democrats need to reopen government before negotiations can begin. Additionally, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed willingness to continue talks on subsidies and Medicaid cuts.
However, even if Senate Democrats were to accept Thune's proposal, there are still major hurdles to overcome. The question of whether the House will follow suit remains a major roadblock. Speaker Mike Johnson refused to guarantee a vote in his chamber, saying only that he would consider it if the government was reopened.
It seems clear that Democrats want more than just a token gesture from Republicans. "We need an ironclad path forward," Jeffries said. And with Republicans having tried 70 different times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, many lawmakers are skeptical of their ability to deliver on this promise. The question remains whether Thune's proposal is enough to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans, or if more will be needed to find common ground.
... I mean, come on, 70 times trying to repeal Obamacare? It's like they can't even agree on whether the government is open or closed 
. Seriously though, Thune's proposal is just a band-aid on a deeper wound... how about some real compromise instead of just tossing out little token gestures? 
And have you ever noticed how sometimes when you're waiting for food, they always ask if you want a "complementary" drink or something? Like, no thanks, I'm good with my water, tbh 
. Anyway, back to this Obamacare thing...
i mean, John Thune is trying to extend those health care subsidies which would literally help millions of people... it's not like he's asking for much. but noooo, Democrats are still playing hardball and Republicans are being all vague about their plans too. 70 times they've tried to repeal the ACA? that's just crazy talk 
Like, it's only gonna satisfy people for like 5 minutes before they're back to square one again. I mean, come on, Democrats want real action, not just some empty gesture. And what about the House, right? They're still holding out. It's all very back-and-forth at this point... 
Maybe someone needs to throw a curveball to shake things up, you know? 
The thing is, Thune's offer does show a shift in how Republican leaders are approaching negotiations, which is a good sign... but it's not like it's going to magically fix everything 
. There needs to be more substance behind the proposal, or else it's just empty gestures 
.
They keep proposing stuff but it's always "if" this happens, "only" that gets done... can't they just give us something concrete for once? 
That's just insane.
Like, can't they just have a real discussion without making everything about politics? I know it's hard, but come on, politicians! Be adults for once. 
