US Govt Shutdown Ends: Democrats Offer One Condition to Reopen Federal Government

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The weeks-long US government shutdown is nearing an end as Democrats have proposed a solution to reopen the federal government. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Friday that Democrats will vote to end the shutdown in exchange for a one-year extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. The ACA tax credits are a crucial component of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Schumer emphasized that the offer is straightforward: 'All Republicans have to do is say yes.' Lawmakers from both parties are feeling increasing pressure to alleviate the crisis at airports, pay government workers, and restore delayed food aid to millions of people. Democrats are offering Republicans simultaneous votes to end the shutdown and extend expiring health care subsidies for one year. They are also proposing the establishment of a bipartisan committee to address Republican demands for changes to the Affordable Care Act. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged Democrats to 'end these weeks of misery,' and Democrats have been holding out for 38 days for an extension of the expiring ACA tax credits, which expire on January 1. A small group of Democrats has been negotiating with Republicans on a deal that would end the shutdown. Republican leaders, who need only five additional votes to fund the government, have been refusing to negotiate with Democrats on health care, insisting that they vote to reopen the government first. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has announced that he plans to keep the Senate in session over the weekend for the first time since the shutdown began, following a White House breakfast where President Trump urged Republicans to end the shutdown quickly. The outcome of the proposed deal remains uncertain, but Democrats' willingness to compromise could bring an end to the prolonged government shutdown. A test vote on the proposed deal could come as soon as Friday, leaving Democrats with a crucial choice to make.