The U.S. Senate has taken a crucial step towards ending the government shutdown as moderate Democrats decided to move forward without a guaranteed extension of health-care subsidies. This move has sparked discontent among some Democrats who believe the public expects them to continue the battle.
In a preliminary vote, the Senate approved 60-40 to progress towards passing a compromise bill to finance the government and defer a subsequent vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits set to lapse on Jan. 1. If Democrats raise objections and delay the process, final approval may be delayed for several days.
The agreement does not ensure the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, a demand by Democrats for nearly six weeks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York opposed advancing the package, as did all but eight Democratic colleagues.
The deadlock was broken by a trio of former governors — New Hampshire Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Independent Senator Angus King of Maine. They agreed to advance three bipartisan annual spending bills and prolong government funding until late January in return for a mid-December vote on extending health-care tax credits.
The deal also includes reversing the mass layoffs of federal workers by the Trump administration since the shutdown commenced on Oct. 1, ensuring federal workers receive back pay.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune swiftly endorsed the agreement, urging an immediate vote to initiate the approval process as the shutdown continued to disrupt flights nationwide, jeopardize food assistance for millions, and leave federal workers unpaid.
President Donald Trump, returning to the White House after a football game, refrained from explicitly endorsing the deal but hinted at progress towards ending the shutdown.
Support for the agreement came from a mix of moderate Democrats and Republicans, aiming to address the disruption caused by the shutdown, including widespread flight cancellations and financial strain on federal workers. However, some Democrats cautioned against conceding without securing an extension of health subsidies.
Democrats have repeatedly refused to reopen the government until the extension of tax credits under the Affordable Care Act is assured, while Republicans have been supportive of the recent proposal put forth by moderate Democrats.
The bipartisan agreement would fund essential government programs and extend funding for other areas until January’s end, with a commitment to vote on health-care subsidies by mid-December. The deal also promises to reinstate federal workers who faced layoffs and reimburse states that covered federal program costs during the shutdown.
The agreement is receiving mixed reactions from Democratic lawmakers, with some expressing dissatisfaction and urging for stronger provisions related to health care. House Democrats have also raised concerns, with some labeling the deal as insufficient and not adequately addressing health care costs.
