Government Shutdown Looms: Democrats' Proposal Rejected, Odds Favoring Extended Lockdown
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The ongoing US government shutdown has reached a critical juncture, with over 1,000 flights canceled on Saturday and 41 million low-income individuals at risk of losing SNAP benefits. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, presented a new proposal to Republican lawmakers on Friday, aiming to protect Affordable Care Act subsidies for at least a year. However, the offer was immediately rejected. As the Senate session resumed on Saturday, it remained uncertain whether Republicans and Democrats could reach a compromise to reopen the government. President Donald Trump expressed his reluctance to compromise, calling the Affordable Care Act tax credits 'the worst healthcare anywhere in the world.' He suggested that Congress allocate funds directly to individuals to purchase insurance. According to betting site Polymarket, the odds of the shutdown extending into the holiday season are increasing. As of Wednesday, the odds were: - Nov. 4-7: 7% - Nov. 8-11: 36% - Nov. 12-15: 25% - Nov. 16 or after: 33% Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that Trump's proposal would not be part of the solution to ending the shutdown but expressed a willingness to discuss the idea. Thune vowed to keep the Senate in session until the shutdown is resolved, aiming for a vote as soon as possible. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, leading the talks among moderates, acknowledged that Democrats require an alternative path forward after the rejection of their proposal. 'We're working on it,' she said, indicating ongoing efforts to find a solution.
