Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has unveiled a new proposal aimed at ending the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, but his plan has immediately reignited partisan tensions in Washington.
The Democratic leader is calling for a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, commonly known as Obamacare, to ensure millions of Americans continue receiving healthcare assistance as federal funding deadlines approach.
Democrats Want Health Care and Funding Combined
Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer urged both parties to find common ground by combining government reopening efforts with healthcare affordability measures.
“Democrats are ready to quickly pass a funding bill that ensures health care affordability,” Schumer declared. “Leader Thune just needs to add a clean, one-year extension of the ACA tax credits so we can act on rising healthcare costs immediately.”
Schumer insisted that his plan balances both party positions — Democrats’ demand to address healthcare costs and Republicans’ insistence on reopening the government first.
“Let’s reopen the government, extend the ACA tax credits, and then begin negotiating longer-term healthcare reforms,” he said.
Republicans Reject Schumer’s “Unserious” Proposal
Senate Majority Leader John Thune swiftly dismissed Schumer’s proposal, accusing Democrats of using the shutdown to push a political agenda.
Thune’s office issued a pointed response:
“Cracks are forming. After 38 days, Democrats have dropped their original offer. Extending the COVID-era bonuses is not a negotiation — it’s a stall tactic. Reopen the government, then talk healthcare. End the pain.”
Cracks are forming. After 38 days, Democrats abandon their original and equally unserious proposal. Extending the COVID bonuses *is* the negotiation — something that can only take place after the government reopens. Release the hostage. End the pain.
— Ryan Wrasse (@RWrasse) November 7, 2025
The Republican leadership maintains that all discussions on healthcare must wait until the government is fully operational again.
Trump Calls for End to the Filibuster
Amid the gridlock, former President Donald Trump weighed in once again, urging Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster.
Trump argued that doing so would enable the GOP to pass major legislation without Democratic obstruction and resolve the shutdown faster.
Stalemate Deepens as Shutdown Drags On
With both parties holding firm, the government shutdown has now stretched beyond its fifth week. Democrats are betting that tying Obamacare subsidies to reopening the government will pressure Republicans to act — but so far, neither side appears ready to blink.
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