Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) claims that “so many” Republicans have quietly sided with Democrats in their fight to extend health care subsidies for undocumented immigrants. He made the remarks on CNN, suggesting bipartisan agreement could break the deadlock on reopening the government.
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Merkley: ‘So Many Republicans’ Coming Over to Say We’re Right on the Shutdown
Photo by Brietbart
Key Takeaways:
- Senator Merkley says numerous Republicans back Democrats’ stance on the shutdown
- The dispute centers on extending health care subsidies for undocumented immigrants
- Merkley’s comments were made during an interview on CNN’s “The Source”
- The statement highlights potential bipartisan support despite intense party divides
- Breitbart published Merkley’s remarks on 2025-10-21
Sen. Merkley’s Comments
On a recent Monday appearance on CNN’s “The Source,” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) stated that “so many” Republicans have acknowledged the Democrats’ position on the ongoing government shutdown. Merkley claims these Republicans have privately agreed that extending health care subsidies for undocumented immigrants is necessary to resolve the crisis.
Republican Alignment
According to Merkley, various Republican lawmakers have approached him to offer their support for his party’s stance. While specific names have not been revealed, the senator insists that the number of Republicans who believe “we’re right” is more than expected.
Health Care Subsidies at the Center
The central issue driving these conversations is the Democrats’ demand for continued health care subsidies to undocumented immigrants. Merkley maintains that resolving this point is key to reopening the government and ending the standoff. Although this is a contentious policy for many Republicans in public settings, Merkley’s claim suggests a different private sentiment.
Implications for the Shutdown
By pointing out behind-the-scenes approval, Merkley signaled that common ground could emerge sooner than many anticipate. His comments indicate that partisanship may be less rigid than public debates suggest, providing a potential avenue toward an agreement that would end the shutdown.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations continue, observers await a clearer sign of whether Republican lawmakers will publicly endorse measures championed by Merkley and other Democrats. In the meantime, Merkley’s remarks offer a glimpse into behind-closed-doors discussions, suggesting that the push for health care subsidies to undocumented immigrants may have more traction than the current standoff implies.
