As the government shutdown stretches into its 35th day, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has firmly stated that any extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance subsidies will require a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate. This announcement comes at a critical time as bipartisan senators negotiate terms to end the government shutdown and address looming healthcare funding issues.

Democrats have proposed a plan where the Senate would vote on extending the ACA subsidies using a simple majority. However, Thune has rejected this approach, emphasizing the inconsistency of requiring 60 votes to fund the government while contemplating a significant healthcare bill with just 51 votes. "Honestly, think about what the Democrats are asking us to do here," Thune expressed to reporters, underscoring the gravity of the legislative decision at hand.

The ongoing discussions among rank-and-file senators include a broader shutdown-ending deal that would not only reopen the government but also set the stage for further healthcare deliberations. The deal is expected to incorporate an updated stopgap spending measure and attach full-year funding bills for Agriculture-FDA, Military Construction-VA, and the Legislative Branch.

On the other side of the Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his reluctance to prolong the funding deadline into the holiday season, despite pressure from GOP hard-liners who prefer a later date. Johnson indicated his preference to avoid a December deadline, aligning more closely with Thune’s views who hasn’t dismissed a shorter timeline favored by some GOP appropriators.

Thune hinted at a possible compromise that might see the Senate working through the weekend to finalize the stopgap bill to send back to the House by week’s end. This move aims to put senators on a "glide path" to concluding the shutdown efficiently. Following Senate action, Johnson confirmed that the House would reconvene in Washington "as soon as possible," with House leaders promising a 48-hour notice to members.

If all goes according to Thune's optimal timeline, the House could be back early next week, potentially ending a seven-week recess. This swift return would be crucial in addressing not only the immediate fiscal challenges but also the impending expiration of the ACA subsidies slated for December 31, which millions of Americans rely on for their health insurance coverage.

The stakes are high and the clock is ticking as Congress works to navigate these complex legislative and fiscal challenges amidst a prolonged government shutdown.