Senator Thune Discusses Government Funding Negotiations and ACA Subsidies

Government Funding Stalemate

• 📌 Senator Thune stated that Senate Leader Schumer knows where to find him for conversations regarding government funding.
• 🎯 The current strategy involves giving Democrats additional opportunities to vote on keeping the government funded.
• 💡 There are Democrats who are unhappy with their leadership's approach and are engaging in "some conversations" to find a resolution.
• ⚠️ The goal is to reach a critical mass of lawmakers who oppose the "hostage taking" strategy employed by leadership.

ACA Subsidies and Healthcare Reform

• 🏥 Thune addressed concerns about expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, noting that the issue is primarily a House matter but acknowledging ongoing conversations.
• 💰 He emphasized that the ACA subsidies, which he described as not truly tax credits but direct subsidies to insurance companies, require reform and should not be permanently extended without significant changes.
• 📈 A permanent extension of the current program is estimated to cost $365 billion, necessitating reforms.

Bipartisan Negotiations and Strategy

• 🤝 Thune indicated that recent votes show "some movement" among Democrats, suggesting a recognition that the current strategy is flawed.
• 💬 He confirmed that conversations are happening regularly, with some involving him directly, and that Democrat colleagues are approaching Republicans seeking a way out of their current predicament.
• ✅ The primary victim of the ongoing stalemate is the American people, and Thune hopes for a swift resolution.
• 🗣️ Thune is open to discussing other issues after the immediate goal of keeping the government open is achieved.