NoodleNewt
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune has made a surprising concession to Democrats in an MSNBC sit-down interview. He's offered a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies - a long-standing sticking point for the party - in exchange for some concessions.
In a bid to break the gridlock, Thune told Democratic leaders that he'd guarantee them a vote by a specific date if they're willing to accept reforms alongside the subsidy extension. This is a significant departure from his previous stance, where Republicans have been hesitant to extend the subsidies due to concerns about their long-term cost.
Thune acknowledged that there's no way to guarantee an outcome or even pass a bill extending the subsidies, but he emphasized that there will be a process and Democrats can expect a vote. This concession may not be enough to satisfy Democrats, however, who remain skeptical of Republicans' intentions.
The Senator's comments come as the government shutdown enters its third week, with workers missing their first paycheck. Despite this, Democrats appear resolute in refusing to back down on their demands, particularly when it comes to protecting the subsidies that millions rely on for affordable healthcare.
Thune took a softer tone than some of his Republican colleagues on rising healthcare premiums, expressing concerns about people's ability to pay as prices continue to rise. However, he remained firm on requiring changes to the current subsidies, such as income caps, before considering an extension.
With estimates suggesting the program could cost $350 billion over the next decade, any deal will likely be contentious. Thune's remarks suggest that Democrats may have some room for negotiation, but it remains to be seen whether they'll accept the terms.
In a bid to break the gridlock, Thune told Democratic leaders that he'd guarantee them a vote by a specific date if they're willing to accept reforms alongside the subsidy extension. This is a significant departure from his previous stance, where Republicans have been hesitant to extend the subsidies due to concerns about their long-term cost.
Thune acknowledged that there's no way to guarantee an outcome or even pass a bill extending the subsidies, but he emphasized that there will be a process and Democrats can expect a vote. This concession may not be enough to satisfy Democrats, however, who remain skeptical of Republicans' intentions.
The Senator's comments come as the government shutdown enters its third week, with workers missing their first paycheck. Despite this, Democrats appear resolute in refusing to back down on their demands, particularly when it comes to protecting the subsidies that millions rely on for affordable healthcare.
Thune took a softer tone than some of his Republican colleagues on rising healthcare premiums, expressing concerns about people's ability to pay as prices continue to rise. However, he remained firm on requiring changes to the current subsidies, such as income caps, before considering an extension.
With estimates suggesting the program could cost $350 billion over the next decade, any deal will likely be contentious. Thune's remarks suggest that Democrats may have some room for negotiation, but it remains to be seen whether they'll accept the terms.
just got word from a trusted source 
that Thune's concession is actually a calculated move by Republicans to keep the conversation going 
. They know Dems won't budge on the subsidies entirely, so this might just buy them some time to find another angle. Still don't think it'll be enough to get them to compromise on income caps though 
. The real question is: what's in it for Thune's team? Is he trying to salvage his own re-election chances or genuinely wants a bipartisan deal? 
. He's willing to budge on the subsidy extension thing, which might just be what Democrats need to get on board 
. But, let's be real, $350 billion over a decade is a pretty big price tag 
. I'm not sure if even Thune's soft tone can sweeten the deal for Democrats 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how this one plays out 
.
. thune's got some good points though, income caps could be a reasonable compromise. but come on, $350 billion over 10 years? that's wild 
. i think democrats should be open to negotiations, but republicans need to show some flexibility too 
. It shows that some Republicans are starting to understand that this isn't just a partisan issue, but people's lives are at stake.
. If Democrats can find ways to make concessions without sacrificing their core values, maybe we can finally break the impasse and get some progress on affordable healthcare 
.
my coworker's wife is actually losing her job because of it and I feel terrible for her 
she has to pay like 2k a month for health insurance and now that's all at risk 
my cousin actually got his bill reduced in 2020 because of Obamacare and he was so grateful 
does this mean he's finally coming around or is it just a PR stunt? 
I don't know what to think anymore 
, I mean, who wouldn't want an end to the government shutdown? But at the same time, I'm super skeptical about Thune's offer - like, what's really going on here? Is he just trying to placate Democrats before they realize it's all a ruse?
. Thune might think he's got some wiggle room, but I bet the Republicans behind him are just waiting for an excuse to pull out all the stops again 
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now let's see if democrats will take him up on the offer 
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I'm just lost. is it still going on because of ppl not agreeing on subsidies or what?