As he left the chamber, Thune said the Senate could continue to meet through the weekend if there are signs of progress on the agreement.
“I think it kind of depends on what happens. If there's an opportunity to vote, whether it's today, tomorrow or Saturday, we'll stay and do it,” Thune said. “I think all options are on the table.”
In broad strokes, the current proposal would involve a vote to open the government to a package of three appropriations bills, with a promise to vote on extending health care tax breaks in the future. Republicans hope enough Democrats are willing to accept the proposal to end the impasse.
Thune reiterated that he “can't guarantee” Democrats the “result” of the health care tax cut, but he can “guarantee them the process.”
“I think the clear path forward on the ACA issue is that they vote and we open the government, go to the White House, sit down with the president and talk about it,” he added. “This hostage-taking must stop right now.”
Asked whether there are enough Democrats willing to join Republicans to open the government, Thune said: “I think there are Democrats who are inclined to do the right thing. They are under enormous pressure from the left.”
He added: “I believe there is a group that I think really wants to do the right thing and get this over with. So we'll see if they retain power today and hopefully we'll learn more about that as the day goes on.”
