Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R.D., told reporters he could give Democrats no guarantee that an extension of Obamacare subsidies would be passed after the shutdown ends. This has been previously emphasized by Democrats when they called for action on the health insurance premium tax credit.
Thune said he spoke with Sens. Angus King, I-Maine, and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and he can only be sure they will get a vote in the Senate.
“I’ve made this very clear to them: I can’t guarantee an outcome. I can guarantee them a process and they can litigate the issue and get a vote. And maybe there’s some way they can get a vote on the House floor at some point, but I can’t speak for the House,” Thune said.
Senate Democrats are expected to hold their weekly policy luncheon this afternoon to discuss potential compromises to resolve the funding impasse.
“I hope we can get at least 10 people willing to vote to open the government,” Thune said.
Asked whether the Senate would remain in session this weekend or during next week’s Veterans Day recess, Thune said, “If there’s a way to vote, whether it’s today, tomorrow or Saturday, we’re going to stay and do that.”
