Republicans proposed a new deal to Senate Democrats on Thursday, aiming to resolve the 37-day government shutdown by advancing full-year spending bills and addressing rehiring of federal workers. The proposal, revealed ahead of a closed-door Senate Democrat meeting, marked the first significant effort by GOP leaders to break the stalemate. Four sources indicated the plan would pass three full-year appropriations measures covering Agriculture-FDA, Military Construction-VA, and Legislative Branch funding, alongside a temporary measure to reopen other government sectors.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., confirmed the offer but withheld specifics, stating the goal was to “get government working again” while maintaining fiscal responsibility. He emphasized the need for a “reasonable” solution. The proposal included provisions to rehire federal employees affected by prior workforce reductions, a move seen as addressing Democratic concerns. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., urged efforts to bring back workers laid off under previous administrations.
The deal emerged after President Trump called for ending the filibuster to pass spending legislation during a White House meeting with GOP senators. Thune noted Republicans lacked sufficient votes to alter Senate rules but acknowledged the prolonged shutdown’s impact. The plan could provide a path forward by funding critical programs like SNAP and veterans’ services through September, while a temporary measure would reopen other agencies. In exchange, Republicans agreed to consider future votes on extending Obamacare subsidies, according to reports.
With 53 Senate seats, Republicans need support from at least eight Democrats to advance the package. About a dozen moderate Democrats are reportedly considering backing the compromise. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., expressed cautious optimism, stating, “If there’s a path forward that gives both sides something, we can get this done.”
