Seven Democrats and one independent voted with Republicans in the Senate late on Sunday in favor of a deal to end the 40-day government shutdown.
Why It Matters
The prolonged shutdown has created mounting crises across the nation with airlines canceling more than 2,000 flights on Sunday alone and federal workers going without pay for over a month, straining household finances across the nation. Food assistance programs have also become entangled in legal disputes, with more than two dozen states warning of “catastrophic operational disruptions.”
But many Democrats oppose the deal that fails to address their key demand for an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expiring on January 1, which make health insurance affordable for millions of Americans.
What To Know
The deal funds three annual spending bills and extends remaining government funding through to the end of January and includes promises from Republicans to hold a vote on the expiring healthcare subsidies by mid-December.
The deal also includes language to reverse some Trump administration mass firings of federal workers that have occurred since the shutdown began October 1.
The eight senators who voted with Republicans in favour of the deal to get the government open again were:
- Tim Kaine, Democrat, Virginia
- Catharine Cortez Masto, Democrat, Nevada
- John Fetterman, Democrat, Pennsylvania
- Maggie Hassan, Democrat, New Hampshire
- Dick Durbin, Democrat, Illinois
- Angus King, Independent, Maine
- Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat, New Hampshire
- Jacky Rosen, Democrat, Nevada
Shaheen, Hassan and King helped to broker the deal.
What People Are Saying
Jeanne Shaheen said after the vote: “This was the only deal on the table. It was our best chance to reopen the government and immediately begin negotiations to extend the ACA tax credits that tens of million Americans rely on.”
“I understand that not all of my Democratic colleagues are satisfied with this agreement but waiting another week or another month wouldn’t deliver a better outcome, it would only mean more harm for families.”
Angus King said after the vote: “This agreement tonight is a win for the American people.”
Tim Kaine said in a statement before the vote: “This deal guarantees a vote to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which Republicans weren’t willing to do. Lawmakers know their constituents expect them to vote for it, and if they don’t they could very well be replaced at the ballot box by someone who will. This legislation will protect federal workers from baseless firings, reinstate those who have been wrongfully terminated during the shutdown and ensure federal workers receive back pay.”
Democratic political commentator Harry Sisson on X: “I am so sick of WEAK Democrats. We need fighters who will stand up to Trump and MAGA. We need a big tent of fighters, not folders.”
Mikie Sherrill, newly elected Democratic governor of New Jersey said in a statement shortly before the vote: “Votes made it clear: the American people want leadership with a backbone. And at a critical moment when they need leaders to stay strong under pressure the Senate is on the brink of caving on a bill that the American people can’t afford.”
Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in a post on X: “People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives. Working people want leaders whose word means something.”
What Happens Next
The deal must now be passed in the House and get the president’s signature.
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