The U.S. Senate has taken a significant step toward resolving the government shutdown by moving forward with a compromise deal that does not guarantee the extension of health-care subsidies. In a test vote, the Senate voted 60-40 to advance legislation to fund the government and potentially vote later on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire on January 1. Final approval may take several days if there are objections from Democrats causing delays.
This agreement, which does not assure the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies as demanded by Democrats for nearly six weeks, was made possible by a group of moderate lawmakers. New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan, and Independent Sen. Angus King ended the stalemate by agreeing to support three bipartisan spending bills and fund the government until late January in exchange for a vote on extending health-care tax credits in mid-December.
The deal also includes reversing the mass firings of federal workers during the shutdown and ensuring that they receive back pay. Senate Majority Leader John Thune endorsed the agreement, pressing for an immediate vote as the shutdown caused disruptions in air travel, jeopardized food assistance, and left federal employees without pay.
President Donald Trump, upon returning to the White House, did not explicitly endorse the deal but expressed optimism that the shutdown might soon come to an end. Despite some opposition within the Democratic ranks, the agreement was supported by a group of moderate Democrats and some Republicans, aiming to fund key government programs and provide back pay to federal workers.
The agreement proposes funding for essential government functions and extending funding for other areas until the end of January. It also addresses the reinstatement of federal workers, reimbursement for states that covered federal program costs, and protection against future layoffs. Additionally, the deal includes provisions for lawmakers’ security enhancements and restrictions on hemp-based product sales.
While some Democrats have voiced concerns that the deal falls short, Republicans only require a few Democratic votes to pass the agreement and reopen the government. House Democrats and progressive leaders have criticized the deal for its perceived failure to address health care costs adequately. The ongoing discussions highlight the challenges in reaching a comprehensive resolution to the government shutdown.
