Trump Rejects Compromise as Shutdown Hits Day 39, Senate Works Weekend/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump signaled no willingness to compromise with Democrats over health care subsidies, extending the government shutdown into its 39th day. As senators convened a rare weekend session, moderate Democrats and Republicans scrambled to craft a temporary solution. But hopes for progress remain dim amid continued partisan gridlock.
Government Shutdown Standoff Quick Looks
- Shutdown enters 39th day, federal workers unpaid, services disrupted nationwide.
- Senators meet over the weekend, rare move reflecting urgency.
- Trump rejects ACA subsidy extension, calls it “the worst Healthcare.”
- Vice President JD Vance backs scrapping filibuster, increasing partisan tensions.
- Moderates push plan to reopen government, with a later healthcare vote.
- Senate GOP leaders eye partial funding bills, no guarantee of health deal.
- Speaker Mike Johnson won’t promise vote on health care.
- Democrats divided, some urge holding out, others weigh partial reopening.
- Bernie Sanders urges unity, citing Democratic wins in recent elections.
- Next test vote could come within days, outcome uncertain.
Deep Look
Trump Signals No Deal as Shutdown Drags Into Sixth Week, Senators Seek Workaround
With the federal government partially shuttered for 39 days and tensions escalating, President Donald Trump made it clear Saturday that he won’t compromise with Democrats on health care subsidies — a key sticking point in the ongoing standoff.
Posting to his social media platform, Trump slammed the Affordable Care Act’s tax credit program as “the worst Healthcare anywhere in the world” and rejected calls from moderate Democrats for a one-year extension. Instead, he floated the idea of direct payments to Americans to buy insurance — a proposal with little congressional traction.
His hardline stance leaves bipartisan negotiations in limbo as the Senate launched a rare weekend session in a last-ditch effort to craft a resolution. While House-passed funding bills have been blocked repeatedly, moderate senators are pushing a new path forward.
Senate Moderates Push Stopgap Plan
Led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a group of moderates from both parties are working to broker a partial reopening of the government. Their proposal would extend funding through December or January, ensure payment for essential programs like SNAP benefits and veterans services, and promise — but not guarantee — a future vote on healthcare.
“We need another path forward,” Shaheen said Friday evening after Republicans rejected an offer by Democratic leader Chuck Schumer to reopen the government in exchange for a one-year ACA subsidy extension. “We’re working on it.”
GOP leaders would need just five more votes to pass a funding package, and talks have included up to a dozen Democrats. However, some in the Democratic caucus remain skeptical of any plan that doesn’t deliver concrete healthcare protections.
Trump, Vance Push for Filibuster Elimination
Adding pressure to the negotiations, Vice President JD Vance took to social media to support ending the Senate filibuster — a move that would allow Republicans to pass legislation with a simple majority and bypass Democrats.
“Republicans who want to keep the filibuster are wrong,” Vance wrote Saturday, backing Trump’s call to eliminate the 60-vote threshold.
Still, Senate GOP leaders — including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) — have shown no indication they’ll heed that advice. Thune is reportedly considering advancing a bipartisan package that mirrors the moderate framework but offers no clarity on the health care vote.
Health Care at the Heart of the Fight
At the center of the impasse is a dispute over extending COVID-era ACA subsidies, which are set to expire in January. Without action, millions could see premium spikes. Some Republicans, including Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), have expressed openness to extending subsidies with added eligibility limits.
“We’ve had really good discussions with a lot of Democrats,” Rounds said, though no final agreement has been reached.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has not committed to a health care vote, further reducing the odds of a comprehensive deal.
Democrats Weigh Political Strategy
Democrats now face a critical choice: Continue to press for guaranteed health care protections, or accept a partial deal that reopens the government without assurances.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) admitted there’s no consensus yet. “Without something on health care, the vote is very unlikely to succeed,” he warned.
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called on Democrats to stand strong in the face of Trump’s resistance. Citing the party’s recent electoral successes.
Sanders urged the caucus to “demand what the American people voted for — an extension of health care subsidies.”
What’s Next?
A procedural test vote could happen in the coming days, potentially exposing just how far apart the two sides remain. Until then, federal services continue to be strained, federal workers go without paychecks, and political tempers simmer.
With no deal in sight and the holidays approaching, the nation braces for a prolonged shutdown — unless a bipartisan breakthrough emerges soon.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.