Republican senators criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over his call to tie government funding to an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, arguing any negotiations on the expiring tax credits should take place outside of the shutdown fight.
“If you want to have that debate, that’s a debate to have. You don’t hold government funding hostage for it,” said GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt.
“Chuck Schumer is afraid of his own shadow, and he doesn’t want to be perceived as working with President Trump,” said Schmitt. “That’s a shame, because I think the American people are going to suffer because of it.”
Asked if there’s any room for negotiations on Obamacare subsidies by the October 1 shutdown deadline, Republican Sen. John Kennedy said, “not unless Chuck stops smoking wizard weed.”
“We can negotiate the Obamacare subsidies and reform thereof, but we can’t do it by midnight tomorrow night,” said Kennedy. “That’s what Senator Schumer demanded, and it’s a very unserious proposal.”
Democratic Sen. Peter Welch said extending Obamacare subsidies and securing commitments that Trump will adhere to congressionally approved spending should be top priorities for lawmakers.
“We’ve got to deal with the health care collapse. We’re going off a cliff, and we can’t leave Vermonters and Americans high and dry,” Welch said. “We need the president to acknowledge that he has to abide by what Congress authorizes for spending.”
Welch expressed skepticism about the two sides reaching a deal before midnight tomorrow.
“I think the odds are against it right now, and I say that with a lot of regret,” the Vermont Democrat said.