ScribbleStorm
Well-known member
Lawmakers from both parties are hearing a unified message from their constituents: keep up the fight.
For Democrats, the shutdown continues to revolve around healthcare, with voters fired up about the pending expiration of Obamacare subsidies. Several lawmakers said that despite being in districts with high concentrations of government workers who have been furloughed or faced firings, voters are still pushing them to stand firm on their stance.
In contrast, Republican lawmakers say they're hearing a similar message from constituents: keep fighting and standing up for what's right.
While the shutdown continues, Democrats are pointing out that families will be making health care decisions in just weeks, not months. They argue that Congress should address this issue now rather than waiting until later, as some Republicans have said they would only negotiate on tax credits after the government reopens.
The message from voters has been clear: don't cave to pressure and reopen the government. Instead, lawmakers are being told to lean in and continue holding out for their desired outcome.
As one senator noted, "There's been a whole lot of engagement" but it seems that fewer people have been reaching out than during previous shutdowns. Despite this, lawmakers say they're still hearing from voters who are anxious about the shutdown and want them to fight for what's right.
In order to secure their support, Democratic leaders are taking a gamble: assuming that once Americans see their higher insurance premiums, Republicans will feel pressure to negotiate a deal.
For Democrats, the shutdown continues to revolve around healthcare, with voters fired up about the pending expiration of Obamacare subsidies. Several lawmakers said that despite being in districts with high concentrations of government workers who have been furloughed or faced firings, voters are still pushing them to stand firm on their stance.
In contrast, Republican lawmakers say they're hearing a similar message from constituents: keep fighting and standing up for what's right.
While the shutdown continues, Democrats are pointing out that families will be making health care decisions in just weeks, not months. They argue that Congress should address this issue now rather than waiting until later, as some Republicans have said they would only negotiate on tax credits after the government reopens.
The message from voters has been clear: don't cave to pressure and reopen the government. Instead, lawmakers are being told to lean in and continue holding out for their desired outcome.
As one senator noted, "There's been a whole lot of engagement" but it seems that fewer people have been reaching out than during previous shutdowns. Despite this, lawmakers say they're still hearing from voters who are anxious about the shutdown and want them to fight for what's right.
In order to secure their support, Democratic leaders are taking a gamble: assuming that once Americans see their higher insurance premiums, Republicans will feel pressure to negotiate a deal.