Senate Republicans reject Democrat Schumer’s proposal to end US government shutdown

Senate Republicans on Friday rejected a proposal from Democratic leader Chuck Schumer to end the record-long US government shutdown. The plan sought to reopen the government in exchange for a one-year extension of tax credits aimed at lowering costs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed the offer as a “nonstarter”, as the political deadlock stretched into its 38th day.

“Democrats are ready to clear the way to quickly pass a government funding bill that includes healthcare affordability,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. He urged Senate majority leader John Thune to add a clean, one-year ACA tax credit extension to the continuing resolution and suggested creating a bipartisan committee to pursue longer-term healthcare reforms once the government reopens.

“Now, the ball is in Republicans’ court. We need Republicans to just say yes,” Schumer said.

Thune’s spokesperson, Ryan Wrasse, rejected the offer, reiterating that discussions on tax credits would only take place after the government resumes operations. “Extending the Covid bonuses is the negotiation – something that can only take place after the government reopens. Release the hostage. End the pain,” Wrasse said.

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Senate Republicans also posted a blunt response on X: “Hard no, Chuck.”

Thune has kept the Senate in session through the weekend, but a resolution remains out of reach. Any final deal would also require approval from the House of Representatives, which Speaker Mike Johnson has kept in recess since 19 September, preventing an immediate end to the 38-day shutdown.

Shutdown worsens as economic and political pressure mounts

The shutdown, which began on October 1, has led to severe disruptions across the country. The Trump administration’s attempt to pause payments under the food aid programme was blocked by a court order, while the Federal Aviation Administration reduced commercial air travel after weeks of unpaid work by air traffic controllers. Around 1200 US-linked flights had been cancelled as of Friday morning, according to tracking site FlightAware.

Despite Republican control of both chambers of Congress, passing any spending bill requires bipartisan support to meet the 60-vote threshold in the Senate. Thune has tried 14 times to advance a House-approved bill funding the government through 21 November, but only three Democrats have supported it.

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Democrats have maintained that any funding measure must include an ACA tax credit extension, which is due to expire at year’s end. Without renewal, healthcare costs for ACA users could rise by an average of 26%, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said the shutdown could halve GDP growth this quarter, although recovery is expected once federal employees receive back pay. Trump has suggested he may not authorise back pay for those affected.

Later on Friday, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican bill that would have paid active-duty troops and select unpaid federal workers. The vote, 53-43, fell short of the 60 needed for passage. Democrats argued that the bill could allow Trump to decide who gets paid.

Democrats’ stance was reinforced earlier in the week when their candidates swept several off-year elections, a result party leaders said reflected voter backing for their position. “Americans plagued by high costs fired a political torpedo this week at Donald Trump and Republicans,” Schumer said.

Recent polls show Republicans receiving more public blame for the shutdown. Some Democrats have warned against conceding too soon, with Senator Chris Murphy cautioning that backing down after electoral success would damage the party’s momentum. Trump appeared to recognise the issue, telling Republican senators the shutdown was “negative for Republicans.”

He urged his party to scrap the Senate filibuster, writing on Truth Social, “If Republicans kill the Filibuster, they sail to Victory for many years to come. If they don’t, DISASTER waiting to happen!” Thune has made clear that his caucus does not support that move.