WaffleWarrior
Well-known member
Senate Majority Leader John Thune's latest effort to end the shutdown has fallen flat with Democrats, who are skeptical of Republicans' willingness to back their promises.
The offer, which would guarantee a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies in exchange for Democrats voting to reopen the government, was met with disdain from many Democratic leaders. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire told MSNBC that Thune's proposal was "almost three weeks ago" and that her party had yet to receive any meaningful progress.
Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, echoed Shaheen's sentiments, saying that while Thune's offer is "progress," it isn't enough. He emphasized that Democrats want a more concrete commitment from Republicans on the issue of healthcare subsidies.
Other Democratic leaders also expressed skepticism about Thune's proposal. Senator Elissa Slotkin told MSNBC that her party needs to have a conversation with President Biden, who has been at the center of the shutdown negotiations, before accepting any deal.
Despite the lack of progress, there were subtle signs of movement in the Senate. For the first time since the shutdown began, Republican leaders acknowledged that they are willing to engage in serious negotiations. However, Democrats remain wary of Republicans' willingness to follow through on their promises.
The sticking point for many Democrats is the issue of Medicaid cuts included in the GOP's reconciliation bill. While some Republicans have expressed openness to revising these cuts, others remain resolute in their opposition.
The shutdown has become a major headache for President Biden and his party, with polls showing that a significant majority of Americans blame Democrats for the impasse. As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen whether Thune's latest offer can serve as a catalyst for a deal or if it will be another dead-end attempt by Republicans to appease their base.
One thing is certain: trust has been lost between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to negotiations on critical issues like healthcare. Until that trust is restored, a resolution to the shutdown remains elusive.
The offer, which would guarantee a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies in exchange for Democrats voting to reopen the government, was met with disdain from many Democratic leaders. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire told MSNBC that Thune's proposal was "almost three weeks ago" and that her party had yet to receive any meaningful progress.
Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, echoed Shaheen's sentiments, saying that while Thune's offer is "progress," it isn't enough. He emphasized that Democrats want a more concrete commitment from Republicans on the issue of healthcare subsidies.
Other Democratic leaders also expressed skepticism about Thune's proposal. Senator Elissa Slotkin told MSNBC that her party needs to have a conversation with President Biden, who has been at the center of the shutdown negotiations, before accepting any deal.
Despite the lack of progress, there were subtle signs of movement in the Senate. For the first time since the shutdown began, Republican leaders acknowledged that they are willing to engage in serious negotiations. However, Democrats remain wary of Republicans' willingness to follow through on their promises.
The sticking point for many Democrats is the issue of Medicaid cuts included in the GOP's reconciliation bill. While some Republicans have expressed openness to revising these cuts, others remain resolute in their opposition.
The shutdown has become a major headache for President Biden and his party, with polls showing that a significant majority of Americans blame Democrats for the impasse. As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen whether Thune's latest offer can serve as a catalyst for a deal or if it will be another dead-end attempt by Republicans to appease their base.
One thing is certain: trust has been lost between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to negotiations on critical issues like healthcare. Until that trust is restored, a resolution to the shutdown remains elusive.
! Can't they just make up their minds already? I mean, I get it, healthcare subsidies are super important for millions of people, but does everyone have to be all or nothing about it? 
It feels like we're stuck in some kind of never-ending loop and I'm the one who has to deal with it. As someone who's had their own share of DIY struggles (hello, leaky faucet! 
), I just want people to work together and find a solution that actually works for everyone. It's just so frustrating when progress is slow or nonexistent...
i mean i feel bad for joe biden & co but can they pls get their act together? 
i've got family members who are struggling with healthcare costs & it's just frustrating to see them being affected by this 
and the thing that's really getting me is how Democrats are skeptical of Republicans' promises 
i mean what if they're not keeping their word? 
my friend's cousin is a rep & they told her that thune's proposal was a good starting point but then it got shot down 
anyway i guess we'll just have to wait & see if they can come to an agreement 
So Thune's offer was basically just a weak olive branch tossed at Dems by GOP 
I mean, who needs a vote on Obamacare subsidies if you're not actually going to back it up? It's all just a bunch of empty promises and lip service from Republicans 
Meanwhile, President Biden is stuck in the middle, trying to negotiate with both sides. It's like being caught between a rock and a hard place 
We need concrete actions and meaningful commitments from both parties, not just token votes or empty promises 
. It's just another attempt by Republicans to try and appease their base without actually doing anything concrete. I mean, guaranteeing a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies is like, what, 5 minutes of progress? 
. The Republicans are offering some concessions, but they're still trying to stick it to Democrats on Medicaid cuts 
. I mean, what's the point of even having a Senate if they can't pass laws that benefit everyone?
. If Thune is so sure his proposal will work, then why hasn't he been negotiating for weeks already? It sounds like just more empty words to me 
. We need transparency and accountability, not more backroom negotiations that only benefit their careers. Let's get real for a change – we can't just keep voting for the same old politicians who promise the world and deliver nothing. Time for some real change! 