Senate Majority Leader John Thune has outlined a potential resolution to the ongoing government shutdown, which began less than 24 hours ago. In an exclusive interview from his Capitol office, Thune expressed readiness to engage in discussions on the future of healthcare negotiations, but only under the condition that a significant number of Democrats back the House-passed funding bill.

Thune pointed out that he has been involved in behind-the-scenes talks with Democrats regarding the structuring of negotiations on Obamacare insurance subsidies, which are due to expire at the end of the year. He emphasized the need for a "critical mass" of Democratic support, suggesting that at least 10 Democrats would need to be on board for productive discussions to commence.

“I keep telling them: When they have eight or 10—preferably 10, or more—let me know if there’s a conversation they want to have,” Thune stated.

Although Thune has refused to negotiate the specifics of an extension while the government remains shut, he indicated openness to discussing how healthcare negotiations could proceed post-shutdown, as well as pushing forward full-year appropriations bills. According to Thune, there is ongoing bipartisan dialogue, hinting at possible compromises that could lead to reopening the government.

These bipartisan efforts became public when a group of senators discussed potential paths to reopening the government on the Senate floor. The early-phase talks also touched on a framework for negotiating health insurance subsidies, with some Democrats aiming for a resolution by November 1, which marks the beginning of open enrollment for plans offered on Affordable Care Act exchanges.

Despite these developments, Thune reiterated that the GOP's stance remains firm on reopening the government under the House-passed continuing resolution, which extends funding through November 21. He described this approach as the only viable solution currently on the table.

On the other side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has continued to advocate for substantive negotiations on healthcare, maintaining strong support from the majority of the Democratic caucus. Schumer has also expressed support for the ongoing bipartisan Senate talks, emphasizing the necessity for Republican engagement.

The discussions also reveal a division among Republicans regarding the future of the Obamacare subsidies, with some conservatives eager to see them lapse at year-end while others support an extension with specific adjustments. Thune acknowledged the complexity of reaching an agreement that would satisfy both chambers of Congress and the White House but expressed a commitment to finding a solution.

As the shutdown continues, the pressure mounts on both parties to navigate these negotiations successfully, with healthcare subsidies and government funding hanging in the balance.