President Trump briefly suggested negotiations with Democrats on Monday before reversing course hours later and demanding they end the government shutdown first. Trump posted on social media that he would work with Democrats on healthcare or other issues only after they allow the government to reopen.
The president had earlier told reporters in the Oval Office that he was willing to make the right deal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denied any talks were underway but expressed readiness to negotiate if healthcare subsidies could be renewed.
Senate Republicans maintain they will discuss extending healthcare subsidies only after Democrats vote to reopen the government. The Senate voted for a fifth time to block competing proposals to end the shutdown as both parties remain entrenched in their positions.
Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. White House officials have avoided addressing Democratic warnings about premium increases, suggesting concerns about the potential political consequences of letting the subsidies lapse.
The president had earlier told reporters in the Oval Office that he was willing to make the right deal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denied any talks were underway but expressed readiness to negotiate if healthcare subsidies could be renewed.
Senate Republicans maintain they will discuss extending healthcare subsidies only after Democrats vote to reopen the government. The Senate voted for a fifth time to block competing proposals to end the shutdown as both parties remain entrenched in their positions.
Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. White House officials have avoided addressing Democratic warnings about premium increases, suggesting concerns about the potential political consequences of letting the subsidies lapse.
