Government Funding Standoff: Senate Republicans Navigate Bipartisan Waters
Potential Bipartisan Support for Government Funding
Fox has learned that Senate Republicans are optimistic about gaining enough support from Senate Democrats to break a filibuster on an upcoming test vote. This vote is crucial for funding the government until sometime in January and also aims to support the Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs, and extend congressional funding until September 30, 2026.
Senate Vote on the Horizon
If Republicans succeed in garnering the required Democratic votes, the Senate could potentially vote as early as tomorrow to overcome the filibuster on this funding bill, which requires a supportive majority of 60 votes.
Concerns Over Obamacare Subsidies
A significant uncertainty remains regarding the status of Obamacare subsidies. Democrats have expressed concerns regarding the absence of a solid plan to address rising health care premiums, seeking an “off-ramp” to alleviate these pressures, according to a Senate source privy to their discussions.
The Role of Air Traffic Control in Decision Making
According to sources, air traffic control and associated flight delays are weighing heavily on the decision-making processes of Democratic leadership as they consider their next moves.
Republicans’ Cautious Approach
Senate GOP leadership is reportedly hesitant to bring the combined spending bill to a vote without assurances that the filibuster can be successfully broken. One insider noted that it would be “bad form at this stage” to face a failed procedural vote, especially on what they believe could be the only viable solution to the government shutdown crisis.
Progressives at a Crossroads
The prospect of a break by Democrats without a clear agreement on health care issues would present a significant setback for progressives and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), marking a pivotal advancement toward government re-opening.
Critical Vote Timeline
Should enough Democratic senators vote in favor, a test vote could materialize as soon as Saturday night. Importantly, if the Senate successfully breaks the filibuster, a final vote on the package may not occur until Monday or Tuesday, although there’s a possibility that Democrats could expedite the process by yielding time.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
If the Senate manages to approve the funding deal, attention will shift to the House of Representatives. However, the House’s stance on this legislation remains uncertain, with discussions likely not taking place until the middle of next week, at the earliest.
Looking Ahead: Government re-opening
Nonetheless, a successful alignment between the Senate and the House in passing this measure could lead to the government re-opening, albeit for a limited duration of a couple of months, thereby providing a temporary solution to ongoing funding challenges.
