Senate Republicans, heading into a leadership meeting Friday afternoon, projected that the Democratic offer made by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier Friday is “unsuccessful,” at least in its current form.
“I think everyone who follows this knows that’s impossible. There’s no way. The extension of Obamacare is the negotiation. That’s what we’re going to negotiate, once the government opens up,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., seemed angered by the proposal.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks on the Senate floor in Washington, Nov. 7, 2025.
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“They’re okay with people needing food, not getting food stamps, but they want to make sure people get health care subsidies that could be worth a million dollars. How? Tell me if that makes any sense. That’s exactly what they’re doing,” he said.
Still, Republicans say the offer is a step in the right direction. They said it shows Democrats are willing to negotiate.
“I think it’s an indication that, yeah, I mean, they’re feeling the pressure and they know that their last proposal wasn’t serious or realistic. But I guess you can characterize that as progress, but I don’t think it’s anywhere near what we need to do here, and they know that,” Thune said.
-Allison Pecorin and Isabella Murray of ABC News
