As he left the chamber, Thune mentioned that the Senate might remain in session over the weekend if any progress is made towards reaching an agreement.

“This really depends on developments,” Thune explained. “If there’s a way to move forward and vote, whether it’s today, tomorrow, or on Saturday, we’re prepared to stick around and make that happen. All possibilities are being considered.”

The current proposal suggests linking a vote to reopen the government with a trio of appropriations bills, along with a future commitment to vote on extending health care tax credits. Republicans are hopeful that enough Democrats will find this offer acceptable to break the deadlock.

Thune emphasized that while he cannot promise Democrats a definitive result regarding health care tax credits, he can assure them of a procedural opportunity.

“The straightforward solution concerning the ACA issue would be to enable a vote, reopen the government, and then proceed to discussions with the president at the White House,” he stated. “The current impasse must come to an end.”

The outlines of the current proposal would tie a vote on reopening the government to a package of three appropriations bills, with a promise to vote on extending health care tax credits in the future. Republicans hope enough Democrats are willing to take that offer and end the stalemate.

Thune reiterated that he “can’t guarantee” Democrats “an outcome” on extending health care tax credits, but he can “guarantee them a process.”

“I think the clear path forward here with regard to the ACA issue is, they get a vote and we open up the government and we head down to the White House and sit down with the president and talk about it,” he added. “Right now, this hostage-taking has got to stop.”

Asked if there are enough Democrats who are willing to join Republicans to open the government, Thune said “I think there are Democrats who are inclined to do the right thing. They’re under an enormous amount of pressure from the left.”

He added: “There is a group, I believe, who really wants to, in my view, do the right thing and get this over with. So we’ll see if they hold sway today, and hopefully we’ll know more about that as the day rolls on.”