Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed Democratic health care demands as "unserious" but stated a government shutdown is "avoidable" before Wednesday's deadline. Thune suggested Democrats must "dial back" their requests, including extending health insurance subsidies, to prevent federal closures. He proposed a "clean" bill supported by some Democrats as a path to avoid a shutdown, while acknowledging partisan divisions and President Trump's cancellation of a meeting with Democratic leaders. Thune believes "cooler heads will prevail" and that shutdowns harm the public.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.