WASHINGTON D.C. — As the U.S. federal government shutdown enters its second week, the legislative deadlock in the Senate shows no immediate sign of resolution. The Republican-controlled chamber, unable to secure the 60 votes needed to pass a short-term spending bill, is now focusing efforts on peeling off a handful of moderate Democrats rather than negotiating with party leadership. Democrats, meanwhile, remain unified in their demand for a guarantee on expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies as a prerequisite to reopening the government.
GOP Strategy: Target Democratic 'Defectors'
The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has persisted after a fourth Senate vote on the Republican-led Continuing Resolution (CR) failed with a 54-44 tally. The 53-seat Republican majority needs at least seven more votes—or six, given one Republican's consistent opposition—to clear the 60-vote threshold for passage. The 54 votes secured on the most recent attempt included support from two Democrats and one Independent who caucuses with Democrats, while one Republican voted against the measure.
Republicans, acknowledging the intransigence of Democratic leadership, are now employing a targeted strategy to secure the necessary five additional votes among rank-and-file Democrats. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated that progress is more likely to be achieved through outreach to individual members rather than talks with Democratic leadership.
The Hill has identified five Democratic senators as likely targets for GOP persuasion: Gary Peters (MI), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Maggie Hassan (NH), Jon Ossoff (GA), and Dick Durbin (IL).
Peters and Shaheen, both nearing retirement, are considered to have less political risk in crossing party lines, having previously voted for a shutdown-averting measure in March.
Hassan, also from New Hampshire, is expected to follow Shaheen's lead.
Ossoff, facing a tough re-election bid in 2026, is seen as potentially vulnerable to pressure as the political fallout of a prolonged shutdown increases.
Durbin, the second-highest ranking Senate Democrat, has publicly called for a bipartisan alternative, expressing concern over the stalemate even while maintaining his vote against the current GOP CR due to the absence of ACA provisions.
This strategy hinges on the hope that the mounting pressure and potential public backlash from the shutdown will force these moderates to break ranks.
Democratic Unity on Health Care Demands
Despite the GOP's efforts, the Democratic caucus has largely maintained a united front, preventing any new defections on the latest CR vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has been resolute, rejecting Republican pressure tactics and emphasizing that the unity stems from the party's commitment to protecting the ACA premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
Democrats argue that failure to extend these critical subsidies will result in soaring health insurance premiums for millions of Americans and that they must be addressed before the government is reopened. Schumer's counter-narrative suggests that public opinion will ultimately blame the Republican-controlled White House and Congress for the shutdown over Democrats' "insane policy demands," citing polling that favors their stance on the ACA subsidies.
Emerging Compromise Discussions
While both parties' leaderships remain firmly entrenched—Republicans insisting the government must reopen before any policy negotiation, and Democrats demanding a commitment on the ACA subsidies first—reports indicate that a bipartisan group of senators is quietly discussing potential off-ramps.
These back-channel negotiations are reportedly exploring a compromise that could offer less than a full "guarantee" but enough of an assurance on the ACA subsidies to sway key Democratic votes. Potential measures include a formalized "promise" of a later vote on the health care provisions or a mechanism to prevent the White House from unilaterally rescinding already approved congressional funding, thereby addressing a separate Democratic concern.
The outcome of the shutdown now largely rests on whether the GOP's pressure campaign can break the Democratic unity or if the bipartisan, rank-and-file negotiations can produce a mutually acceptable, face-saving deal. The longer the stalemate lasts, the greater the economic and political damage to both parties.
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