‘I trust no Republican’s word’: Democrats dismiss Thune’s shutdown offer

Democrats in Congress remain skeptical about a new proposal by Senate Majority Leader John Thune aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown. The offer, which guarantees a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies in exchange for Democrats voting to reopen the government, is seen as insufficient by many lawmakers.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democratic moderate who has been trying to negotiate a bipartisan path forward out of the shutdown, expressed her reservations about Thune's proposal. "When the shutdown was just starting, we requested that," she said. "That's been almost three weeks ago, and they wouldn't do it, wouldn't do it, wouldn't do it. And now he has moved but everybody else has moved, too."

Shaheen and other Democrats believe that Thune's offer doesn't go far enough, particularly in terms of addressing the Medicaid cuts included in the GOP's reconciliation bill. "It's good progress, but it's not what we need in order to open things back up again," Shaheen said.

Senator Dick Durbin, who is also part of the group trying to negotiate a bipartisan path forward, echoed Shaheen's sentiments. He expressed frustration that Thune's proposal seemed more like an afterthought than a genuine attempt at compromise. "I have felt, for a long time, we're not going to have a solution unless the president gives a nod of approval," Durbin said.

The lack of trust among Democrats towards Republicans is largely driven by concerns about their commitment to extending healthcare subsidies. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who has been critical of Republican plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, summed up the sentiment: "I trust no Republican's word as long as Donald Trump is saying he refuses to extend health care tax subsidies."

The situation remains fluid, with Senate Democrats signaling that they will not accept Thune's proposal without further concessions. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing healthcare and other issues driving the shutdown. "We've been very clear that we need to decisively address the Republican health care crisis," he said.

The standoff between Democrats and Republicans continues, with no clear resolution in sight. The lack of trust among lawmakers and the failure to extend healthcare subsidies are major obstacles to a bipartisan agreement.

Ugh , this shutdown thing is so frustrating . I mean, can't we all just get along? Democrats and Republicans are going back and forth like a broken record, and it's holding up the whole government. I'm just worried about all the people who are getting affected by this, especially those who rely on healthcare subsidies . Thune's proposal might be a step in the right direction, but it's not enough . We need real compromise from both sides, not just lip service . And can we please just focus on finding solutions that benefit everyone, not just one party?

im so tired of these politicians playing games they keep throwing out proposals that dont address the real issues, like the medicaid cuts it's not about compromise, it's about doing what's right for the people we need concrete solutions, not just empty promises and can we please focus on extending healthcare subsidies already?! it's not a partisan issue, it's about human lives

Ugh, this is so frustrating ... I feel like those politicians are playing with people's lives here. They need to get their act together and make a deal already! I'm so worried about all the people who are getting hurt because of this shutdown. How can you just leave healthcare subsidies up in the air? That's just cruel ... And it sounds like there's still no trust between Democrats and Republicans, which is just ridiculous. Can't they put their differences aside for once and work together? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that something will get done soon

I'm like, really worried about this whole shutdown thing . I mean, Thune's proposal might seem like a step in the right direction, but come on, it's not enough . Democrats are right to be skeptical - what's going on is that Republicans just can't be trusted . I get that they're trying to negotiate and all, but when you've got someone like Trump at the helm, you can't really trust their word .

And don't even get me started on the Medicaid cuts . That's a total non-starter for me. If Republicans are serious about finding common ground, they need to be willing to make some real concessions . This back-and-forth between Democrats and Republicans is getting old - it feels like we're just stuck in an endless loop .

I'm not holding my breath for a bipartisan agreement anytime soon . We need more than just token gestures from our lawmakers. We need them to put their differences aside and work towards a real solution . Until then, I'll just be over here, shaking my head .

omg can you believe these republicans they're being super unreasonable about this healthcare thing! Senator Jeanne Shaheen is so on point btw like Thune's proposal might be better than nothing but it's still not good enough for the dems, you feel? The medicaid cuts are a major deal-breaker for them. And can we talk about how no one trusts repubs to keep their promises anymore? Hakeem Jeffries is right on point saying they need to tackle this republican healthcare crisis head-on it's not just about extending subsidies, it's about the bigger picture here. I'm still hoping for a bipartisan solution but at this rate...

I think it's safe to say that Thune's proposal is like trying to put together a puzzle blindfolded while being attacked by a swarm of bees . Democrats aren't buying it, especially when it comes to the Medicaid cuts. Shaheen and Durbin are like the referees in this game, calling out Thune for not bringing his A-game . I'm no expert, but it seems like the trust issue is a major hurdle – I mean, who wants to take a deal from Republicans after they've been trying to repeal healthcare for years? It's all about playing hardball in Washington, folks! The shutdown might just be a never-ending game of chicken .

idk, I think Thune's proposal is pretty reasonable considering how far off base GOPs have been on this whole shutdown thing . but at the same time, can't Democrats just back down for once? it's getting old seeing them always playing hardball . and honestly, I'm not sure who to trust more - Thune or Shaheen . both seem pretty reasonable, but then again, that's exactly what you get when politicians are involved . anyway, this whole thing is just so frustrating . can't they just find a way to work together for once?

The Data Dumper here

I just looked at some numbers and charts about this whole government shutdown thing...

According to Gallup, 59% of Americans blame Republicans for the shutdown, while only 31% blame Democrats. That's a pretty big gap!

Here are some stats on healthcare subsidies:

* In 2020, approximately 27 million people received health insurance through Obamacare (Source: CMS)
* The Congressional Budget Office estimates that repealing and replacing the ACA would lead to 24 million more uninsured Americans by 2026 (Source: CBO)
* A recent poll found that 77% of Americans support extending healthcare subsidies (Source: CNN)

It's no wonder Democrats are skeptical about Thune's proposal!

The Congressional Research Service reports that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been involved in 14 shutdowns since 1996, with an average length of 21 days. That's a lot of shuttling around, folks!

Meanwhile, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners estimates that Medicaid expansion would increase healthcare spending by approximately $1.4 trillion over 10 years (Source: NAIC)

It's clear that both sides need to come together and find common ground. Until then, I'll just keep on sharing these charts and graphs

can't believe how unfair it is to just dismiss john thune's offer like that . i mean, he's already trying to compromise by offering to vote on extending Obamacare subsidies... what more do dems want? also, the constant bashing of republicans and trump is getting old. it feels like dems are just trying to create a narrative rather than actually finding common ground

I gotta say, this whole shutdown thing is getting old ... it's like they're all playing a game of chicken and nobody wants to blink first . I'm so over the drama, can't we just get some compromise already? I mean, come on, Thune thinks a simple vote in exchange for extending Obamacare subsidies is gonna cut it? Please, Democrats are not having it and neither am I . It's all about trust and if nobody wants to put their faith in each other, then we're stuck in this mess forever . I'm glad Hakeem Jeffries is pushing for a comprehensive approach, maybe that'll get us somewhere ... but seriously, when are we gonna get some real leadership around here?

I'm so done with this government shutdown drama . It's like they're all playing a game of chicken, refusing to blink until someone else gives in. Meanwhile, people are struggling to get their paychecks and healthcare plans are hanging in the balance . I don't trust Republicans' promises when it comes to healthcare subsidies – Donald Trump's ego is still bigger than his commitment to America . Democrats need to stand firm, but they also can't just ignore the fact that Republicans aren't willing to compromise . We need a comprehensive solution, not just some token gesture like Thune's proposal . This is getting old – when are we going to see some real progress?

so yeah i'm lowkey worried about this shutdown situation... it's like democrats are trying to negotiate but republicans aren't taking it seriously? shaheen's point is valid tho, they did ask for that kinda thing way back when and republicans were all "nope". now they're just being all cool about it and expecting Dems to cave in. it's like they think Dems are gonna magically forget about the healthcare subsidies meanwhile, dems are trying to find a compromise but it seems like republicans aren't willing to put in the effort. i guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next...

I dont get why republicans cant just agree on something , its not that hard to give a little to compromise... Medicaid cuts are crazy , I feel so bad for ppl who rely on those subs , Democrats arent being unreasonable by saying they wont accept Thune's proposal without more concessions , it sounds like republicans are just trying to get a win at any cost .

I don’t usually comment but... I think this whole thing is so frustrating . It feels like nobody’s listening to each other anymore. Democrats want something done about the Medicaid cuts, Republicans are refusing to budge on that front. And then you have people like Trump saying they won’t extend healthcare subsidies, which basically means no one will get help with their health insurance. It's just a mess. I don't get why we can't all just try to find some middle ground here?

It’s crazy that Shaheen and Durbin are having to negotiate with Republicans who seem more interested in playing politics than actually solving the problem. And then Jeffries is over there saying they need a comprehensive approach, but nobody's listening. It feels like we’re just stuck in this loop of arguments and no one’s willing to compromise.

I just don't get why they can't agree on this... it's like they're speaking different languages . Democrats want a guarantee that Obamacare subsidies will be protected, but Republicans seem to be moving the goalposts . Thune's offer is better than nothing, I guess, but it's not enough for some lawmakers . It feels like nobody trusts each other, and that's what's holding everything up . I mean, can't they just work together and find a compromise?

omg i cant believe repubs r still tryna screw healthcare for ppl !! they keep sayin dey want 2 work w/ dems, but its all just 1 big game 4 them i swear, jeanine shaheen is 2 calm 4 her own good she should just tell repubs to shove it & not b afraid 2 stand up 4 wat's rite! dick durbin seems like he's on the same page tho we need more ppl w/ his kinda guts. richard blumenthal is lowkey my hero 4 speakin out but still, no healthcare subsidies = no deal 4 me

I think it's super concerning that Democrats aren't convinced by Thune's offer . Three weeks ago they were asking for the same thing, and now everyone else has moved on but not much changes . It seems like Republicans just want to pass their reconciliation bill without making any real concessions .

Medicaid cuts are a big deal here , and it's frustrating that Democrats feel Thune's proposal doesn't address that enough . I don't blame them for not trusting Republicans' word either - Trump's involvement in this whole thing makes it hard to take anyone seriously .

I wish both sides could just sit down and talk about how to fix the issues without all the drama . We need a comprehensive approach, like Jeffries said . Until then, I'm not holding my breath for a bipartisan agreement .

I'm so done with these politicians ! Can't they just agree on something for once? It's like they're speaking different languages or something. I mean, Thune thinks a simple vote in exchange for some minor concessions is enough, but Democrats are like "Uh, no thanks, we need real change here". And don't even get me started on Trump's influence - it's like he's casting a shadow over the whole process and making everyone else look bad. I'm just tired of all this back-and-forth. Can't they just work together for once?

omg can't believe how divided they all are it's like, we need to put aside our differences and work together for the ppl's sake Thune's proposal is def a step in the right direction but Democrats r still like "no thanks" if they want to make progress, they gotta be willing to comprom it's not about winning or losing, it's about keeping ppl covered and healthy