BREAKING: The U.S. Senate has just voted to advance a crucial compromise bill aimed at ending the government shutdown that has persisted for 37 days. This move, passed with a 60-40 vote, is a significant step forward, but the future of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies remains precarious.
Moderate Democrats have drawn criticism for agreeing to proceed without a guaranteed extension of these key health care subsidies, which are set to expire on January 1, 2026. This decision has sparked outrage within their caucus, as many believe that Americans are counting on them to continue fighting for affordable health care.
The newly proposed deal includes provisions to fund the government through late January, address annual spending bills, and reverse federal worker firings that occurred during the shutdown. Federal employees will also receive back pay once the government reopens, an urgent concern for millions impacted by the shutdown.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer opposed moving forward with the package, alongside most of his Democratic colleagues. In a statement, Schumer expressed his inability to support a plan that does not secure health care commitments, saying, “We have sounded the alarm on health care.”
Three former governors—Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Angus King—were pivotal in breaking the six-week deadlock by agreeing to vote in favor of the bipartisan package. They, along with Tim Kaine of Virginia and several others, shifted the tide, but their support has not quelled dissent among Democrats who feel the deal compromises essential health care needs.
The urgency surrounding this vote is heightened as the shutdown continues to disrupt essential services, with reports of over 7,000 flight delays impacting travelers nationwide. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could be “reduced to a trickle” if the government remains closed.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing the ACA subsidy extension to the House floor, leaving the path forward uncertain. Some Republicans are open to extending COVID-19-era tax credits, but they seek new restrictions on eligibility, reigniting debates over healthcare reform.
Critics, including Rep. Greg Casar and Rep. Angie Craig, have voiced their disapproval of the deal, labeling it a “betrayal” of the American people relying on Democrats to champion affordable health care solutions. As the Senate prepares for a mid-December vote on health care tax credits, the internal division among Democrats could impact their ability to secure essential funding.
The next few days will be crucial as lawmakers navigate procedural hurdles and seek to finalize the funding package. The stakes are high, and the tension among party lines is palpable, making this a pivotal moment in U.S. governance.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical story develops.
