The Senate made strides toward ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with a bill passing by a narrow margin. This bill aims to restore funding and cancel layoffs for some federal workers. However, it doesn’t include the healthcare subsidies that many Democrats wanted.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed deep concern. He stated that the ongoing healthcare crisis was urgent and devastating for many families. “I cannot support a resolution that ignores this crisis,” he said.
The bill got the necessary support, mainly from Republicans, along with a handful of Democrats—eight in total. New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen noted that this was the best deal the Republicans would negotiate during the shutdown talks, adding that the situation was dire.
Since the shutdown began on October 1, Senate Republican Leader John Thune pushed for a new funding bill, which faced challenges. Democrats demanded that any funding must include tax credits to lower premiums for Affordable Care Act plans, which are set to expire soon. Thune indicated he might negotiate these subsidies after reopening the government.
“The time to act is now,” he remarked before the Senate vote.
The compromise funds the government through January 30, 2026. It also restores pay for furloughed workers and prevents further layoffs until January. However, the uncertainty around healthcare premiums remains. One study suggested that without the tax credits, premiums could increase by an average of 26%.
Even if a vote on the tax credits occurs in December, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has shown reluctance to bring it to the floor.
Once the Senate vote was done, the House was called back into session for potential action. However, strong opposition from Democrats is anticipated, especially regarding the lack of healthcare provisions. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pointed out that many Americans struggle with high costs and that they would resist supporting a bill that doesn’t address this issue.
The past weeks have been tough for many across the country. More than 700,000 federal workers faced furloughs, while others worked unpaid. This situation led to longer lines at food banks and social services as families struggled. As of early November, the Trump administration even halted payments from the federal government’s largest food aid program, causing further difficulties.
Recent trends indicate that public opinion blames the GOP more for the shutdown, as reflected in polls and off-year election results where Democrats found success. The drama of the budget showdown continues to unfold, impacting real lives and livelihoods across the nation.
For further details on the ongoing effects of the shutdown and healthcare policies, you can visit The Guardian.
