URGENT UPDATE: Senate Republicans are racing against time, releasing funding bills as a potential agreement to re-open the government emerges. This critical development comes just as key moderate Democrats, initially hesitant about the shutdown, signal a willingness to negotiate.
Earlier today, the Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the text of three funding bills, essential for keeping the government operational. These bills cover agriculture programs, the legislative branch, and military construction and veterans affairs, fully funding these sectors through September 2026. Senate Democrats have given their backing to this legislation, marking a significant step toward averting a shutdown.
In a further twist, Axios reports that ten Senate Democrats engaged in negotiations are prepared to support a deal to temporarily fund the government until January. However, this agreement hinges on a mere promise from the GOP to vote on extending health insurance subsidies linked to the COVID-19 emergency. This has drawn sharp criticism from within the Democratic Party.
Congressman Ritchie Torres condemned the proposed deal on social media, labeling it an “unconditional surrender.” He stated, “If this is the so-called ‘deal,’ then I will be a no. It’s an unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double.”
Moreover, Malcolm Kenyatta, vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee, emphasized the inadequacy of a deal that fails to address skyrocketing healthcare costs. He remarked, “Any ‘deal’ that ends with Dems just getting a pinky promise in return is a mistake.” His frustration was further illustrated by a GIF from the Peanuts cartoons, depicting Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown.
In a critical response, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that the House Democratic Caucus likely would not support a funding agreement based solely on Republican assurances. He asserted, “I don’t think that the House Democratic Caucus is prepared to support a promise — a wink and a prayer — from folks who have been devastating the health care of the American people for years.”
The Senate is expected to vote on the funding bills and the short-term funding agreement by the end of the day, with outcomes that could reshape the government landscape. Should the Senate pass the legislation, Speaker Mike Johnson will need to bring his House colleagues back to Washington, D.C., for a vote.
As negotiations intensify, all eyes are on Capitol Hill, with the potential for a government shutdown looming large. The urgency of the moment cannot be overstated, as the health and welfare of millions hang in the balance. Stay tuned for real-time updates as this story develops.
