Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) criticized Senate Democrats who voted on Sunday night for what he referred to as a “horse-trading” deal aimed at starting the process to reopen the government following a historic shutdown.
In a post on social media, he expressed disappointment, saying, “What Senate Democrats did by voting for this horse trade was to disregard the effort people put into Tuesday’s election.” Pocan emphasized, “Health care is essential. It’s not just a minor issue.”
Most Senate Democrats had previously stood firm, stating they wouldn’t support Republican funding proposals until negotiations about extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit—which is set to expire at the year’s end, potentially increasing premiums for many—could be addressed. However, on Sunday, five additional Democrats joined three colleagues in voting for a House-passed bill to reopen federal departments.
This group included Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-Nev.), Maggie Hassan (D-Va.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), alongside independents John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Angus King (Maine).
After the vote, Democratic senators contended that it was evident the Republicans were unwilling to include provisions for health care in the funding bill, even if negotiations continued for an extended period.
This decision, however, drew strong criticism from within the party. Many Democrats felt invigorated by the shutdown standoff after their recent electoral victory.
Pocan also took aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), criticizing the lack of backing for the party’s mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, described as a democratic socialist. He remarked, “Don’t support or disclose who you voted for in New York City, despite the Democratic nominee. Let Democratic senators cut a poor ‘deal’ that does nothing substantial for health care. It undermines the national political party. What’s the profile of this tragedy? Next.”
Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), representing Silicon Valley, echoed discontent with Schumer’s leadership over the Republican funding bill, suggesting that if Schumer couldn’t effectively advocate against rising health care premiums for Americans, his effectiveness was in question. He remarked, “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced.”
