Senate GOP Seeks Five Democrats to Pass Continuing Resolution Averting Government Shutdown

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blames Republicans and President Donald Trump for the ongoing government shutdown, asserting that public sentiment will force Republicans to concede to Democrats, despite some Democrats admitting they initiated the shutdown over healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune, are pushing a continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government and are hopeful that Democratic desperation might lead to a bipartisan deal, with key moderate Democrats like Senator Jeanne Shaheen playing central roles in the negotiations. Shaheen, a veteran appropriator and advocate for enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, has been actively involved in bipartisan talks and has previously supported CRs to avoid shutdowns, signaling potential flexibility. Senate Republicans need five more Democratic votes to pass the CR, and outreach efforts are underway to sway moderates who have expressed a desire for an "off-ramp" from the shutdown. Some Democrats, including Shaheen and Senator Gary Peters, emphasize their willingness to negotiate and find common ground, while rejecting claims that Democrats are fighting for taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants. The situation remains fluid as both parties navigate health care and budgetary disputes amid the government shutdown.