Senate Deal Nears End to 41-Day Government Shutdown, Healthcare Debate Looms
The U.S.Senate on Monday passed legislation to reopen the federal government, bringing a close to a grueling 41-day shutdown and averting a prolonged crisis.While the immediate threat of a government standstill has eased, a contentious debate over healthcare subsidies remains, potentially setting the stage for another showdown in the new year.
The bill’s passage,with a vote of 60-40,followed weeks of stalemate as Democrats sought concessions from Republicans on extending health care tax credits set to expire January 1st. Ultimately, a small group of moderate Democrats broke ranks, voting to advance the legislation despite significant opposition within their own party. The House of Representatives, currently on recess, is expected to vote on the bill as early as Wednesday afternoon. President Donald Trump signaled his support for the deal, stating Monday that “we’re going to be opening up our country very quickly.”
How the Shutdown ended
The breakthrough came after negotiations led by three former governors – Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New hampshire, and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine. These senators agreed to support advancing three bipartisan annual spending bills and extending government funding into late January. In exchange, Republicans pledged to hold a vote by mid-December on extending the health care subsidies, though the outcome of that vote remains uncertain.
“this was the option on the table” after repeated Republican resistance to negotiation, explained Shaheen. She added that the shutdown itself had “been very effective in raising the concern about health care,” and the promised vote provides a pathway to continue addressing the issue.
The legislation also reverses the mass firings of federal workers initiated by the Trump governance during the shutdown and guarantees back pay once the government reopens.The 41-day closure had already begun to take a toll, with delays in federal food aid, disruptions at airports, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees left unpaid.
A Divided Democratic Caucus
While five moderate Democrats ultimately sided with Republicans to end the shutdown, the decision sparked criticism from within the party. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voiced strong opposition, stating he could not “in good faith” support the deal after extensive discussions with his caucus. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders echoed this sentiment,calling the move a “horrific mistake.”
Several Democrats expressed concerns that the agreement did not adequately address healthcare costs, with Texas Representative Greg Casar, chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, labeling it a “betrayal” to millions of Americans. Though, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Schumer’s leadership throughout the shutdown, acknowledging the political realities at play.
The senators who crossed party lines to support the deal included Senators tim Kaine of Virginia,Dick Durbin of illinois,John Fetterman of Pennsylvania,and Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada,in addition to Shaheen,Hassan,and King. These senators had been part of a larger group of 10 to 12 Democrats engaged in negotiations, but ultimately, only five were willing to compromise.
Healthcare Subsidies Remain a key Battleground
The future of the health care subsidies remains uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing a vote on the issue to his chamber, stating that House Republicans are open to reforming the “unaffordable care act” but stopping short of guaranteeing a vote on the subsidies themselves.
Some Republicans have indicated a willingness to extend the COVID-19-era tax credits to prevent premium increases for millions, but they are seeking new limitations on eligibility. Proposals include income caps and routing tax dollars directly to individuals. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins expressed support for extending the credits with modifications.
The Senate previously voted 47-53 along party lines against extending the subsidies for a year, a move seen as a preview of the challenges ahead. The debate is highly likely to intensify in December, with both sides digging in their heels.
The resolution of the shutdown, while a significant step, leaves a critical question unanswered: will Congress be able to find common ground on healthcare, or will this issue trigger another crisis in the new year?
___Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim, Michelle Price and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
