Shutdown Stalls as Senate GOP Rejects Dems’ Compromise Offer

Blue Press Journal – The longest federal shutdown in US history continued into its 38th day as Senate Republicans rejected a compromise deal offered by Democrats on Friday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed a “clean” one-year extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance subsidies in exchange for Democratic votes to reopen the government.

Schumer’s offer, made on the Senate floor, came after 14 failed attempts to pass a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through November 21. The proposal excluded new eligibility restrictions sought by many Republican lawmakers, and also suggested creating a bipartisan committee to negotiate a further extension of ACA subsidies.

However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, after consulting with GOP colleagues, dismissed the offer as a “nonstarter.” Republicans have consistently refused to vote on ACA subsidies before the shutdown ends, leaving millions of Americans without access to essential government services.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) criticized the Trump’s and the GOP’s stance, saying, “The ball is in your court now. Show us what a great dealmaker you are. Help us negotiate a deal which protects the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans and let us end this shutdown today. We can end it in the next few hours.”

The shutdown has now become the longest in US history, with no end in sight. Democrats are growing increasingly frustrated with the GOP’s refusal to budge, and the public is bearing the brunt of the gridlock. The rejection of Schumer’s compromise deal has left many questioning the Republican leadership’s commitment to finding a solution.