Sen. Shaheen Urges Critics to Focus on GOP Leaders Amid Shutdown Talks
Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, one of the eight Senate Democrats backing efforts to reopen the government, stated on Monday that those criticizing the group should direct their frustration towards President Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and the Republican members of Congress.
“For anyone opposed to this agreement, staying in shutdown mode will lead us nowhere,” Shaheen mentioned in an interview with CNN. “They really need to hold accountable those who are responsible.”
Joined by fellow Democrats Dick Durbin from Illinois, Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, Tim Kaine from Virginia, John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen from Nevada, Shaheen voted with 52 Republicans on Sunday to push a proposal aimed at concluding the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. Senator Angus King from Maine, who works with the Democrats as an independent, also supported the measure.
This proposal aims to provide funding through September 2026 for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and specific legislative branches, while other government agencies would receive funding until January 30. Additionally, it intends to protect over 4,000 federal employees previously targeted for layoffs during the shutdown and to prevent further federal layoffs until the end of January.
The Senate is set to vote on this bill, which also has Trump’s backing, during a series of votes early tonight.
However, the measure does not address the extension of subsidies linked to the Affordable Care Act, a significant concern for many Democrats during this shutdown. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York, among others, has voiced criticism regarding this omission.
Nonetheless, Shaheen believes that reopening the government presents a chance to negotiate the extension of ACA subsidies that are nearing expiration by the end of December. The retiring New Hampshire Democrat has put forward a bill to make these credits permanent, aiming to alleviate healthcare costs for millions.
“Because of this shutdown fight, many Republicans now recognize that this issue affects them too,” she pointed out. “This isn’t just a problem for red or blue states; it’s about ensuring everyone can afford their health insurance.”
