WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan group of Senators struck an agreement Sunday that they say should lead the way to an end to the 40-day U.S. government shutdown.
In a statement released Sunday by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the deal would also reinstate thousands of fired federal workers and restore the appropriations process that includes funding for SNAP, WIC and health care for veterans.
The agreement was reached by a group of Democrat senators including Shaheen, Hassan as well as Angus King (I, Maine). There are still hurdles ahead, and no clear timeline has been established for ending the government shutdown.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders voted against the measure.
“What this Senate is about to do is make a horrific situation even worse,” Sanders said on the Senate floor.
“So let’s be clear what this vote is about. If this vote succeeds, over 20 million Americans are gonna see at least a doubling in their premiums in the ACA,” Sanders said. “I’m voting no on the continuing resolution that would double healthcare premiums for 20 million Americans, kick 15 million people off Medicaid and allow 50,000 Americans to die unnecessarily every year. All to give $1 trillion in tax breaks for billionaires.”
Politico reports that as part of Democrats’ agreement to end the shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised Democrats a vote in mid-December to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year without Congressional action. Democrats will also get to determine what extension bill receives that vote.
However, reaction across social media, including Bluesky reflected skepticism as comments ranged from anger to frustration over Democrats “selling out” to Republicans over healthcare.
Shaheen released the following statement Sunday night after voting for the deal to reopen the government and take action on what she called several Democratic priorities:
“Today, the Senate voted to reopen the government and took a big step forward towards protecting the health care of tens of millions of Americans.
“This agreement gives Democrats control of the Senate floor—at a time when Republicans control every level of power—on one of our top legislative priorities: Extending the enhanced premium tax credits to make health care more affordable for millions of Americans.
“Let’s be clear: This is a major step that was not predetermined. I have spent years as the lead sponsor of this legislation. There is no one in the Senate who wants to see these tax credits extended more than me. But weeks of negotiations with Republicans have made clear that they will not address health care as part of shutdown talks — and that waiting longer will only prolong the pain Americans are feeling because of the shutdown.
“This agreement also reinstates thousands of fired federal workers and guarantees back pay to more than one million others. That was never a given, either. And critically, this deal restores a bipartisan appropriations process which includes funds for SNAP, WIC and health care for veterans.
“With the government reopened, it’s time to move quickly to ensure we keep health care premiums from skyrocketing. President Trump, Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson have all said they are willing to find a way of extending these tax credits. We are ready to negotiate immediately. The American people are counting on us to get this done — and they will remember next November if my Republican colleagues block those efforts.”