Democrats United in Opposing Thune's Government Reopening Bill Amid 38-Day Shutdown

WASHINGTON D.C. – Democrats in the Senate are standing united, vowing to reject any legislation from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) aimed at reopening the government that does not include an extension of critical health care subsidies. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) publicly affirmed this stance, stating that Democrats are "united" and will "vote NO" on Thune's bill, which seeks to end the 38-day government shutdown.

The prolonged impasse has paralyzed federal operations, leading to disruptions such as over 1,000 flight cancellations, unpaid government workers, and delayed food aid for millions. Senate Majority Leader Thune has repeatedly attempted to pass funding legislation, including a House-passed bill, to restore government services. However, these efforts have been consistently blocked by Democrats who insist that any resolution must address expiring health care tax credits.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) recently offered a proposal to reopen the government and extend health care subsidies for one year, but Thune swiftly dismissed it as a "nonstarter." Thune maintained that Republicans would not negotiate on health care until the government is reopened, stating, "That’s what we’re going to negotiate once the government opens up." He suggested Democrats were "feeling the heat" from the shutdown.

Despite the Republican position, Democrats remain firm, arguing that the health care subsidies are a critical component of any deal. A group of moderate Democrats, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), has been working on a compromise that would fund parts of the government and extend funding for others until December or January, but the promise of a future health care vote, rather than a guarantee, has been deemed unacceptable by many. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has also refused to commit to a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies, further entrenching the stalemate.