ToastTornado
Well-known member
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.
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.
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? 
. 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 
.
But for real, John Thune is trying super hard to make a deal happen...and it's kinda working? 
. The income caps idea is pretty interesting tho...I guess it shows that they're willing to budge a bit 
. 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 
.
. 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 
... 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? 
... ultimately, it's all about the people - how can we make sure everyone gets access to affordable healthcare without breaking the bank? 
! 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?! 
.
! 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 
! Fingers crossed it all works out in the end 
" 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 