Democratic support for a potential deal to reopen the government has crumbled because of deep mistrust among Senate Democrats over whether they can trust Trump to act in good faith to extend health insurance subsidies or to stop firing federal workers.
Senate Democrats on Thursday rejected an emerging proposal to reopen the government that would have linked a stopgap funding bill known as a continuing resolution to three full-year appropriations bills funding military construction, veterans’ affairs, the Department of Agriculture and the legislative branch.
Democratic senators discussed the proposal at lunch and concluded that it did not include strong enough assurances that Trump and the Republican-controlled House would renew enhanced health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are due to expire in January.
It’s not surprising the deal fell apart there’s just too much mistrust between both sides right now. Without clear guarantees from Trump, it makes sense that Democrats are being cautious.
What is the both-sides in this case? Setting aside the question of trustworthyness, what trust would a deal require the Republicans to have. The only commitment I see the Dems making here is a singular vote at the beginning. If they don’t follow through on that vote, then the deal is off before Republicans give up anything.
The Dems need to trust Republicans/Trump because they make their concession first.