An outgoing Democratic senator is quietly leading the party's conversations with Republicans to end the government shutdown, according to a report.
Democrats have dug in their heels on health care, demanding the extension of expiring health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and opposing Medicaid cuts. Republicans have countered that Democrats previously voted to pass the same stopgap funding bill, but have been forced to play hardball by an unhappy base.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is leading "covert" bipartisan talks to end that shutdown, meeting a group of senators at a Thai restaurant in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, sources told Axios. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) described the talks as "casual or loose."
"Shaheen is considered a bellwether for Senate Democrats. If she backs a bipartisan compromise, it likely unlocks a critical chunk of Democratic votes," Axios said.
However, the report noted the talks are "sputtering and haven't progressed very far."
Shaheen, who has served as a senator from New Hampshire since 2009, has said she would not seek reelection when her term ends in 2027.
