Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?
This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.
Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
If the Republicans actually wanted to end the shutdown, they could do so immediately without Democrat support by changing Senate rules to make voting on clean continuing resolutions not subject to the filibuster. They could also change the number required for cloture from 60 to, say, 55 if the point was that a simple majority is too dangerous. Extending the enhanced ACA subsidies is also very popular with voters (~80% approve). It feels like the compromise to extend them for a year isn't a huge ask. Republicans could counter with only extending the enhanced subsides for those under 400% of the FPL, which would probably be accepted. If you want your opponents to do something for you (give you a few votes), you have to give them something. And, to reiterate, the shutdown could be ended without any Democrat votes.
It is, because then we get the exact same problem next year except with additional force towards the idea that this is status quo rather than an emergency Covid measure, and that the Republicans are willing to cave on this issue. Maybe if you extend them for 10 months or something so next budget time it's too late and they've already expired, but I doubt the Democrats would agree to that.
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link