After 40 tense days, Washington is breathing again as the government shutdown comes to an end. But the discount that ended it is already sparking heated debate on Capitol Hill.
A group of Senate Democrats joined Republicans to push through a bipartisan agreement that reopens the federal government, prevents further layoffs, and keeps critical programs like food assistance funded through next September. The measure, known as a “minibus,” provides full-year funding for departments like Agriculture while maintaining current spending levels for most of the government through January 30.
The agreement also reverses Donald Trump’s earlier plan to permanently cut federal jobs through reduction-in-force orders, restoring job protections for federal employees who have gone weeks without pay.
In a major setback for Democrats, the final discount does not include an extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key demand from their side. Letting those subsidies expire could drive up insurance premiums for millions of Americans. Instead, Democrats accepted a promise that the Senate will hold a separate vote on the issue by mid-December. There is no guarantee that it will pass, especially with House Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to commit to bringing it to a vote.
The bipartisan compromise was led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, and Angus King of Maine, with support from Senate Republican Leader John Thune and the White House. About ten Democrats joined all 52 Republicans to give the bill the 60 votes needed to clear the Senate.
Reactions inside the Democratic event have been mixed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted no, criticizing Republicans for refusing to protect Americans from higher health costs. Progressive Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona also voted against the discount, saying it abandons 24 million Americans who will see their premiums double.
Others, like Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, supported the agreement, arguing that reopening the government and securing a future vote on healthcare was the responsible move. Kaine said lawmakers know their constituents expect them to take action and that refusing to do so could cost them at the ballot box.
The Senate could pass the bill within days, sending it to the House, though its future there remains uncertain. For immediately, the shutdown is ending, federal workers are returning to their jobs, and the nation can finally exhale. But the fight over healthcare subsidies is far from over.
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