Republican senators hope that President Trump can step in and help end the 22-day government shutdown by beginning talks with Democrats on enhanced health insurance premiums, which would give Democrats confidence about having a path to an eventual deal.

Several Republican senators say it would be helpful if Trump were to become more involved in breaking the stalemate by talking with Democratic leaders, which could open a a face-saving path for Democrats to reopen the federal government.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), however, insist there’s nothing to negotiate with the Democrats while the government is shut down.

GOP leaders say the only way to reopen the government is for eight Senate Democrats to vote for the House-passed bill funding the government through Nov. 21, which has already failed 12 times on the Senate floor.

Some Republican senators are growing impatient with the “Groundhog Day” atmosphere of the Senate, as they take the same vote over and over again.

A group of Republicans want rising health insurance premiums addressed, something they worry could become a major issue in the next election if costs skyrocket in 2026. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) says he thinks Trump could begin talking with Democrats now to set the stage for an eventual deal, even if it doesn’t happen before the government reopens.

“I think it should happen now. I’m telling the Democrats, they ought to take [the president] a proposal and say, ‘Here’s what we want,’” Hawley said.

“They ought to take him a proposal and make him an offer and say, ‘Here’s what we want.’ He’ll presumably say, ‘Well, I can’t do that but........

© The Hill