Bernie Sanders Criticizes Democrats Who Supported Ending Government Shutdown

Sen. Bernie Sanders Criticizes Senate Democrats Vote

On Sunday, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) expressed his disapproval of a “very bad vote” by eight Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans to reopen the government. He argued that the recent elections prompted a responsibility for Democrats to confront issues related to “Trumpism” and perceived authoritarianism from the current president.

Late on Sunday, these eight Senate Democrats supported the Continuing Resolution (CR), which is a temporary spending measure aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing government shutdown.

The Democratic Socialists of Vermont labeled this decision as “a very bad vote” in a social media post.

“Tonight, eight Democrats paired up with Republicans to pass this continuing resolution. I think this was a very bad vote,” Sanders remarked while walking through Congress.

He claimed that approving the resolution would lead to increased health insurance premiums for around 20 million Americans.

Democrats instigated the government shutdown over the expiration of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. On Sunday, they consented to support government funding in return for a commitment to maintain those subsidies.

Sanders pointed out, “We already have some of the highest health care costs in the world, and people can’t afford it.”

He believes that the recent victories for Democrats in states like New York, New Jersey, and Virginia demonstrate a public mandate to resist “Trumpism.”

“As we all know, just on Tuesday, elections were held across this country,” he explained. “What the election indicated was that the American people wanted action against Trumpism, the assault on the working class, and authoritarianism. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen tonight.”

He further elaborated, “We must strive to protect and support working-class individuals, ensuring that the U.S. finally guarantees health care for all, unlike any other major nation. There’s considerable work ahead, but frankly, tonight didn’t reflect that progress.”