Democrats Offer to End U.S. Government Shutdown in Exchange for One-Year Extension of ACA Tax Credits:

In a pivotal move to resolve the weeks-long federal government shutdown that has thrown airports into chaos, delayed crucial food aid, and left millions of federal employees unpaid, the Democrats have put forward a fresh proposal aimed at reopening the government — provided their key demand is met. Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader, announced on Friday that Democrats are willing to vote to end the shutdown if Republicans agree to extend the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for one year. These subsidies are an essential element of the ACA, also known as “Obamacare.” “All Republicans have to do is say yes,” Schumer declared. Under the offer: Democrats would back a funding bill to open the government. In return, they request a one-year extension of the ACA’s premium tax credits. They also propose forming a bipartisan committee to address broader Republican-led demands for ACA reforms. The committee is part of a package from Gary Peters (D-Mich.) that links the tax-credit extension with a short-term spending bill and a set of appropriations bills. The urgency of the moment is unmistakable. With no resolution yet in sight after 38 days of shutdown, the strain is growing. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged Democrats on Thursday to “end these weeks of misery.” Meanwhile, Republicans, who need only five additional votes to pass a funding bill, remain firm: They insist Democrats vote to reopen the government first, and then negotiations on healthcare can follow. Republican leadership plans to present a new, bipartisan funding package — details not yet released — which could go to a test vote as early as Friday. The coming hours place Democrats in a critical position: accept the deal now or risk prolonging the shutdown. Meanwhile, Thune announced he’s likely to keep the Senate in session over the weekend for the first time since the shutdown began — underscoring the growing pressure to find a solution quickly. The question now is whether this new Democratic offer will break the stalemate. With key subsidies on the line and federal workers still unpaid, the stakes have never been higher.

NEWS