Lawmakers returned to Washington after nearly eight weeks away, facing the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. With the Senate having already passed a funding bill, the House was expected to do the same, sending the bill to President Trump for his approval. He has called the legislation a “big victory.”
As the shutdown stretched into Day 43, debates heated up. Democrats wanted to include extended tax credits to lower health coverage costs through the Affordable Care Act. They pushed back against the spending bill that didn’t address this. Republicans argued that health care discussions should happen separately. With no clear consensus, reaching a spending agreement proved challenging.
The divide in Congress was evident. Democrats accused Republicans of quickly approving tax breaks for the wealthy while neglecting health care needs. In contrast, Republicans claimed Democrats were playing politics with people’s livelihoods during the shutdown.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., criticized Democrats for prioritizing politics. Meanwhile, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., expressed concern that the bill would leave families without support for health care costs.
Since the House last met on September 19, the shutdown’s impact grew more severe, leading to financial instability for thousands of federal workers and delays for travelers. House Speaker Mike Johnson had focused on the Senate to take action after sending lawmakers home, arguing they were serving constituents in their districts.
Before the debate began, Democrats gathered outside the Capitol to protest the Republicans’ proposal. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need for a government that supports health care for Americans.
This recent compromise funds three annual spending bills and extends government operations through January 30. While Republicans promised a future vote on the health care subsidies, uncertainty remains about its success. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., highlighted that the shutdown raised awareness about health care issues and provided an opportunity for further discussion.
The package also included provisions for the security of lawmakers and support for federal workers, ensuring they would be paid after the shutdown. However, disputes continued over the fate of tax credits that help make health insurance affordable. Without these subsidies, millions could see their premiums double or lose coverage entirely, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders critiqued the decision to compromise as a “horrific mistake,” warning that voters expected Democrats to stand firm on health care issues. The upcoming vote in December remains crucial, as both parties grapple with potential solutions.
Some Republicans have shown openness to extending tax credits, although they seek limitations on eligibility. The discussion is still in flux, with House Democrats skeptical of effective collaboration moving forward, especially given Republicans’ long-standing opposition to health care reform.
As the negotiations progress, many are closely monitoring how these legislative moves will impact American families reliant on affordable health coverage. With growing public concern over health care costs, the upcoming months are set to be pivotal in shaping the future of health policy in the U.S.
You can follow updates on this topic at AP News.
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