Sen. John Thune on shutdown: The Democratic leadership has no interest in a solution

Government Shutdown & Political Stance - The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution, requiring 60 votes for passage [1] - Democrats view the government shutdown as politically advantageous, stating "Every day this is getting better for us" [3] - Republicans claim 55 out of 100 senators are voting to open the government, needing five more Democratic votes to reach the required 60 [4][5] - Republican leadership believes rank-and-file Democrats may be open to a solution, but Democratic leadership is hindering progress [8] - A bill passed by the House sits at the Senate desk, which could end the shutdown if passed and signed by the President [9] Healthcare Subsidies & Obamacare - The shutdown involves issues related to healthcare subsidies, particularly for low-income individuals [10] - Democrats removed the income cap (previously $500,000/year) on pandemic-era subsidies [11] - Extending enhanced subsidies could cost $15 trillion [13] - The current healthcare system, particularly Obamacare, is considered inflationary and in need of reform [19][21] - Extending the subsidies would cost $400 billion, suggesting the need for reform [24][26] - The American taxpayer is subsidizing people who are making $500,000/year when it comes to their insurance [25]