Senate Passes Bill to End Government Shutdown
After a spending bill to reopen the government was defeated by 14 votes, five Democratic senators broke ranks on Sunday night, seeking to resolve the 41-day impasse. Sens. Tim Kaine, Dick Durbin, Jacky Rosen, Maggie Hassan, and Jeanne Shaheen argued that new provisions in the legislation—such as a commitment to vote on extending Obamacare subsidies—justified their support for government funding, despite previously voting against similar measures multiple times. They also highlighted the ongoing consequences of the shutdown, like the end of food assistance, unpaid federal salaries, and travel disruptions, as motivating factors for reaching a compromise.
Joining the five were Independent Sen. Angus King from Maine and Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada and John Fetterman from Pennsylvania. This trio has consistently supported Republican funding efforts during the shutdown, providing the necessary votes to overcome a filibuster.
Among these eight senators were Durbin and Shaheen, both of whom are not seeking re-election. It seems many lawmakers are choosing to retire as their current terms come to an end.
“Today’s bill is not the same bill we rejected 14 times. Republicans have finally woken up and realized that Groundhog Day needs to end,” Durbin expressed during a press conference. “While this bill isn’t flawless, it takes vital steps to alleviate the impact of the shutdown, including full funding for SNAP.”
Durbin also mentioned the importance of addressing healthcare, noting that he expects Republican leaders to honor their plan to discuss the ACA tax credits in December, just as the new year approaches.
The key element of this recent agreement revolves around a promised vote on renewing Affordable Care Act tax credits, which had previously been a sticking point. This contentious issue had caused severe distrust between the parties, with Democrats often feeling there was no incentive to collaborate with Republicans. However, a shift appears to be occurring, as promises for votes on ACA subsidies have emerged as part of negotiations.
Shaheen articulated the dual objectives of the agreement, stating that reopening the government and extending the ACA’s premium tax credit are crucial goals. She firmly believes in the need to see these tax credits expanded, referencing her own longstanding advocacy for initiatives first introduced in 2019.
Kaine underscored that this deal also serves to protect federal workers from abrupt job cuts and ensures they receive compensation for lost wages incurred during the shutdown. He suggested that if Republicans fail to support the expected ACA vote, there could be electoral repercussions come the next election.
Rosen pointed out that compromises were essential in light of Republicans’ tactics, mentioning the serious impacts on SNAP benefits during the shutdown. She emphasized her commitment to fighting for the ACA tax credits and ensuring that the agreed-upon legislation reaches fruition.
Hassan echoed her colleagues’ concerns about the implications of layoffs and unpaid wages. She stressed the urgency of legislative discussions around extending the ACA’s benefits, warning that the public will hold accountable those who obstruct necessary measures.
Republicans, however, remain skeptical about extending the ACA without reforms aimed at eliminating waste, as stated by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy in a recent Senate speech.
Hassan called for Speaker Mike Johnson to expedite a House vote on the Senate’s funding resolution to get the government operational again, noting that it had been over three weeks since the House last convened for votes.
In a press briefing, Johnson commended the bipartisan efforts of the eight senators, indicating that some Democrats are beginning to align with the needs articulated by Republicans and the public. He cautioned against using governmental operations as leverage for political ends.
