Donald Trump said he is ready to negotiate with Democrats on healthcare subsidies, which could help end the US government shutdown, which is now in its second week.
Trump ready to negotiate with Democrats on healthcare subsidies
President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is ready to begin negotiations with Democrats on healthcare subsidies, which could be the first step towards ending the government shutdown, which is now in its second week.
“We are talking to the Democrats, and some very good things can happen in terms of healthcare,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
The president did not specify which Democrats he was talking to, but he stressed that he wants to see healthcare reforms “even more than the Democrats.”
Democrats demand inclusion of ACA subsidies
Democrats insist they will not support the government funding bill unless it includes an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of 2025.
They are also demanding a review of Medicaid cuts passed during Trump’s second term.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer responded that his party is ready to negotiate “if the president is really willing to act.”
“If Trump and Republicans are finally ready to sit down at the table and do something for American families, Democrats will be there,” Schumer said.
Shutdown Continues: Senate Rejects Another Bill
On Monday, the US Senate once again rejected a bill that would have temporarily reopened the government until November 21. 52 senators voted against it, while 60 votes were needed for passage.
After the vote, Trump accused Democrats of being deadlocked, but said he was open to talks after the government reopened.
“I’m happy to work with Democrats on their failed healthcare policy or anything else, but first they have to open our government,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Consequences of the shutdown
Thousands of federal workers are without pay or on furlough, and government agencies, including the SEC and CFTC, are operating “on an extremely limited basis.”
Trump also warned that a prolonged shutdown could “at some point” lead to mass layoffs across the federal government, which could increase political pressure on both parties.
Related: White House Freezes Funding for Democratic States Amid Government Shutdown
