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Amid the United States witnessing its longest government shutdowns, Democrats have come forward with a new proposal aimed at reopening federal operations and easing the growing strain on millions of Americans. On Friday, Senate Minority Leader Chuk Schumer said that the Democrats are ready to support a bill to end the shutdown if Republicans agree to extend key Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for another year. These tax credits, central to the healthcare law commonly known as Obamacare, are due to expire soon. “All Republicans have to do is say yes,” Schumer said, according to the Associated Press. This comes as the pressure on lawmakers tend to increase from both parties to resolve the crisis. The prolonged shutdown has disrupted airport operations, delayed food aid, and left thousands of federal workers unpaid. What Do Democrats Propose? Democrats are calling for a joint vote to both reopen the government and extend ACA health care subsidies for one year. In addition, they are pushing for the creation of a bipartisan committee to consider Republican demands for modifications to the health care law. The plan, led by Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, would link the tax credit extension with a short-term funding bill and a package of appropriations measures to keep government departments running. The move represents a shift in strategy for Democrats, who have so far held out for 38 days in favour of protecting the ACA tax credits set to lapse on January 1. Lawmakers from both parties have been engaged in quiet talks to reach common ground, but any potential compromise is expected to come with conditions — particularly concerning future votes on healthcare reforms.
