House Democrats Split Over Government Shutdown Deal

On Wednesday night, six House Democrats went against Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ wishes by backing a Senate-approved deal aimed at ending the 43-day government shutdown.

Despite Jeffries’ efforts to keep his party united, a handful of moderate Democrats—representing districts that Trump won in 2024—chose to cross party lines. They voiced their concerns about the negative effects the shutdown has had on constituents and how it has diminished support for Democratic leaders. One member noted, “I think the ongoing funding shortfall necessitated an extension.” There’s a sense that Democrats are starting to feel the pressure.

Earlier, Jeffries expressed a “strong expectation” that his party would reject any funding proposals to reopen the government. A significant Democratic objective, the extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credit, was notably absent from the bipartisan package.

“As House Democrats, we oppose this reckless Republican effort to raise living costs, which they are achieving by not extending the ACA tax credits,” Jeffries said to reporters.

The only Republicans who voted against this funding package were Representatives Thomas Massie from Kentucky and Greg Steube from Florida.

Maine Congressman Jared Golden

Golden, who broke ranks in September by being the only Democrat to support a Republican-backed Continuing Resolution, cast his first Democratic vote on a spending package. The Maine Democratic Party criticized party leaders earlier this month for allowing the government to shut down in order to appease far-left elements within the party.

After announcing he wouldn’t run for re-election on November 5, he emphasized he was “voting to reopen the government, pay federal workers, and restart essential programs” in a statement shared on social media post-vote.

Washington Representative Marie Grusenkamp Perez

Grusenkamp Perez, a moderate from a competitive district where Trump currently leads, condemned the Democrats’ shutdown strategy as “holding starving Americans hostage.” She stated, “The last few weeks have shown why Congress is often disliked by the general public. It’s disheartening to see crucial aid sacrifices for what seems like political messaging.”

Interestingly, she had previously missed a critical vote on a Republican plan to avoid the shutdown in September, although Washington Democrats later indicated they would have supported a stopgap measure.

New York State Representative Tom Suozzi

Suozzi explained he voted in favor of the Senate deal as he perceived a willingness among his Republican colleagues to cooperate on extending the ACA premium tax credit. “If we can come together on this health care affordability crisis, it would mean something significant,” he shared online after casting his vote.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not indicated whether he plans to move forward with the extension bill.

Representing a Long Island seat that Trump won in 2024, Suozzi was particularly opposed to the earlier funding package that aimed to prevent the government shutdown.

Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar

Cuellar welcomed the Senate’s bipartisan agreement, highlighting that it would “bring relief” to furloughed workers within his district and pave the way for the ACA aid vote.

“The shutdown has adversely affected many families in South Texas,” Cuellar noted after the vote, while previously having voted against the government funding in September, alongside most Democrats. Cuellar, facing federal bribery charges from last year, is currently awaiting trial.

In 2024, Trump won Cuellar’s district by 7 points, and Cuellar is campaigning for re-election in a district that Trump now won by 10 points after the redistricting.

North Carolina Congressman Don Davis

Davis, who had voted against government funding in September over healthcare demands, reversed his stance on Wednesday, saying it was to “alleviate the suffering” of families in his district. It’s worth noting that Davis is considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents facing re-election. After North Carolina Republicans redrew the congressional map, his seat is now heavily leaning Republican. Even though Trump won his local district, projections suggest it will shift by 12 points in 2024.

California Congressman Adam Gray

Gray, a freshman who represents a swing district won by Trump by more than 5 points, justified his support for the spending package that funds federal food assistance through September 2026. “Shutting down the government serves no one’s interests,” he remarked, explaining his vote in a local editorial. “It just complicates life for those already facing enough challenges.”