Senate Republicans and Democrats are quietly exploring potential solutions to end the ongoing government shutdown, with some sources suggesting a resolution could emerge as early as next week, according to The Hill. Semafor also notes an “unmistakable shift” in sentiment below the leadership level, pointing to the same timeline as a possibility.
The discussions come as the shutdown approaches its one-month mark, with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits set to expire this Saturday. Some Democrats say their party has already achieved its goal by highlighting Republican opposition to extending expiring health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
“My assessment is that we’ve won anything that we can possibly win, and the costs of continuing the shutdown are going to be felt by people who are going to food banks and federal employees,” an unnamed Democratic senator told The Hill.
Moderate Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen report growing momentum in bipartisan talks, driven by the SNAP deadline and broad recognition that the shutdown is negatively impacting everyday Americans. “There is a good group of folks who realize we are well past time to have this behind us,” Murkowski said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Wednesday that moderate Democrats are seeking an “off-ramp” from the impasse. Thune emphasized his willingness to negotiate on health care subsidies, but only after the government reopens. “It’s just a question of whether or not they are at some point willing to take ‘yes’ for an answer,” he told reporters.