1:37Senate Majority Leader John Thune addresses journalists as Senate Republican chiefs hold a press conference after their regular policy meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 15, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that he presented Democrats with a chance to tackle their top concern, aiming to cease the government impasse, but it wasn’t sufficient to resolve the deadlock.
Thune, during a discussion on MSNBC broadcasted Thursday morning, mentioned he proposed to Democrats a vote regarding the extension of Affordable Care Act premium assistance, yet he could not promise any specific result. Thune clarified he will refrain from negotiating on specifics regarding an Obamacare assistance agreement until the government is operational again.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks to reporters as Senate Republican leaders hold a press conference following their weekly policy lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 15, 2025.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
“I’ve informed them, expressing that we’re open to discussions. I’ve stated, ‘If a vote is needed, we can assure you’ll receive one by a definite date.’ At a certain point, Democrats must accept a positive response,” Thune conveyed during the interview, recorded on Wednesday.
In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer communicated to reporters Thursday afternoon that Republicans didn’t provide any proposition to vote to prolong the Affordable Care Act subsidies, causing discord among congressional heads as the shutdown lingers.
“Look, we’re not conducting negotiations publicly. It’s that simple,” Schumer responded when questioned if Thune had extended the proposal. “Leader Thune hasn’t approached me with any concrete proposal as of now.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters, as Senate Democratic leaders hold a press conference following their weekly policy lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 15, 2025.Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Senate Democrats have been advocating for alterations to healthcare to avert a surge in premiums for numerous Americans with low to moderate incomes, to secure their endorsement for financing the government. Democrats have been unwavering in their demands as the shutdown continues into its 16th day.
The Senate failed for the tenth instance on Thursday to advance the GOP’s government funding measure. The Senate is anticipated to depart Washington later in the day, nearly guaranteeing the government standstill will persist until at least Monday.
Thune attempted a different approach during a Thursday afternoon vote with a procedural vote concerning a bill that would allocate funds to the Department of Defense for the entire calendar year and guarantee paychecks for the military personnel; however, Democrats prevented the chamber from progressing with deliberations on the bill.
Reopening the government stands as a pivotal initial phase to sustain dialogues regarding modifications to healthcare, Thune communicated on MSNBC. He pledged discussions, but not necessarily a specified result.
“There’s a viable path ahead, I believe, but it must encompass revisions, and can I promise a final outcome? No. That’s what individuals desire – confirmation that this will pass,” Thune remarked. “I cannot assure its passage. I can guarantee a process and that a vote will occur.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson answers questions during a press conference on day 16 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 16, 2025.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
In response to Thune’s assertions, Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated Thursday morning that specific health care outcomes cannot be assured.
“It isn’t feasible for Leader Thune to guarantee any specific outcome on this matter to Chuck Schumer, given that we haven’t concluded those deliberations. I mean, it’s as straightforward as that,” Johnson stated Thursday morning.
Thune expressed there exists bipartisan interest in curbing healthcare expenditures. However, adjustments to the program are necessary, and negotiations concerning these revisions commence with the reopening of the government, Thune stated.
Republicans have insisted they will not engage in talks with Democrats while the government remains closed. However, Democrats aren’t persuaded by the promise of future discussions; they’re advocating for an agreement that tackles healthcare and simultaneously restores government operations.
“The American population is contending with some of the most serious challenges regarding expenses, and we continue to witness complete silence on any discussions with Johnson or Thune,” Schumer articulated Thursday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks to reporters as Senate Republican leaders hold a press conference following their weekly policy lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 15, 2025.Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Thune could not assure the shutdown would conclude imminently. When probed whether he anticipated it would conclude by Thanksgiving, Thune gave no assurance.
“I trust it doesn’t stretch through Thanksgiving, as that will inflict substantial harm on the American populace,” he responded.
ABC News’ Lauren Peller contributed to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
