UPDATE: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has announced that House Democrats will vote against a Republican proposal aimed at temporarily reopening the government, a critical move as the government shutdown enters its 42nd day. This urgent decision comes on the heels of a Senate vote that advanced a spending package lacking key Democratic demands, particularly the continuation of Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare subsidies.
Just yesterday, Senate Democrats diverged from party lines, voting 60-40 to support a funding measure that will keep the federal government operational until at least January 20, 2026. However, the absence of ACA subsidy extensions threatens to double or even triple healthcare costs for millions of Americans. “That is unacceptable,” Jeffries stated emphatically during a press conference this morning. “It will be unaffordable for working-class Americans, middle-class Americans, and everyday Americans to see a doctor when they need one.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-L.A.) is urging members to convene at the Capitol immediately, with plans to schedule a vote on the shutdown bill as early as Wednesday. “As House Democrats, we know we’re on the right side of this fight,” Jeffries reiterated, emphasizing the party’s commitment to protecting the healthcare of the American people.
The proposed funding package also includes provisions for SNAP benefits and back pay for furloughed federal workers. While some Senate Democrats have argued that this bill is a necessary compromise, others, including Jeffries and Brooklyn lawmakers, strongly oppose it. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman criticized the Senate Democrats who supported the measure, stating they have succumbed to Republican pressure without securing essential healthcare protections.
“Now, some Senate Democrats are relenting to Republicans’ hostage-taking on the empty promise of a ‘future vote’ on health care that has almost no chance of becoming law,” Goldman declared. “We must hold firm for the millions of people who will lose their health care due to the Republicans’ healthcare crisis.”
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez echoed this sentiment, branding the deal a betrayal of American voters. “A ‘deal’ that leaves millions facing higher health costs in exchange for empty promises is unacceptable,” she asserted on social media. “The Senate should reject it, and I will vote NO if it reaches the House.”
Despite unanimous Democratic opposition, House Republicans hold the majority and could still pass the bill without Democratic support. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the legislation during a Senate floor speech. “Republicans now own this healthcare crisis,” Schumer stated, emphasizing that the party’s refusal to address ACA subsidies has exacerbated the issue.
Jeffries indicated he had not yet communicated with Senate Democrats who voted for the bill, noting they would need to justify their decision to their constituents. He reaffirmed that the fight is far from over, with Democrats planning to hold Republicans accountable in the House.
As tensions rise and deadlines loom, the stakes for American healthcare and government operations have never been higher. The coming days will be pivotal as both parties gear up for what could be a contentious vote. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
