In the latest development, President Trump first said he was open to working with Democrats on a health care deal tied to the shutdown, then later insisted talks would happen only after Democrats back reopening the government [nytimes.com#1][pbs.org#6][thehill.com#4]. The Senate on Monday rejected dueling government funding bills, including a GOP "clean" stopgap that failed 52-42 and needed 60 votes, extending the stalemate into its sixth day [thehill.com#10][cbsnews.com#11]. Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries said no negotiations with the White House are underway despite the President’s remarks [thehill.com#5][nytimes.com#1][chicagotribune.com#3].
Highlights:
- Shifting stance: After signaling openness to a health care deal, President Trump later said Democrats must first vote to reopen the government before discussions continue [nytimes.com#1][thehill.com#4].
- Senate votes: The Senate rejected a House-passed "clean" stopgap 52-42 that needed 60 votes to advance, pushing the shutdown toward a one-week mark [thehill.com#10][cbsnews.com#11].
- Democrat demands: Democrats are pressing to extend federal premium tax credits that have lowered marketplace premiums and helped drive record-low uninsured rates [npr.org#8][seattletimes.com#7].
- Talks denied: Democratic leaders Schumer and Jeffries denied any active negotiations with President Trump on health care or ending the shutdown [thehill.com#5][nytimes.com#1].
- Possible pathway: Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there "may be a path forward" on Affordable Care Act subsidies, while emphasizing conditions remain [chicagotribune.com#3].
We are speaking with the Democrats and some very good things could happen, with respect to healthcare – President Trump
Perspectives:
- President Trump: Signaled willingness to negotiate on health care, then said talks would follow only after Democrats support reopening the government. (The Hill)
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: Said Democrats are not in talks with the White House about health care or ending the shutdown. (The Hill)
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune: Suggested there may be a path forward on ACA subsidies but stressed caveats remain. (Chicago Tribune)
- Sen. Chuck Schumer: Denied any negotiations with the President, while indicating Democrats would meet if he’s ready to work with them. (Chicago Tribune)
Sources:
- Trump Raises the Possibility of a Shutdown Deal, Then Walks It Back – nytimes.com
- Senate Democrats reject latest effort to end government shutdown – as Trump signals he’s open to negotiating a healthcare deal – nypost.com
- Trump says he’s open to health care deal with Democrats as shutdown hits Day 6 – chicagotribune.com
- Trump calls on Democrats to reopen government, will then work on health care – thehill.com
- WATCH LIVE: Senate convenes as government shutdown enters 6th day – pbs.org
- At the center of shutdown fight, health care is one of the most intractable issues in Congress – seattletimes.com
- Why Democrats are casting the government shutdown as a health care showdown – npr.org
- How the government shutdown is hitting the health care system – salon.com
- Senate rejects funding bills again as government shutdown continues into second week – cbsnews.com
