URGENT UPDATE: Just moments ago, eight senators from the Democratic caucus broke ranks with their party to join Republicans in a critical vote aimed at reopening the government. This pivotal decision, made late Sunday night in Washington D.C., propels a compromise funding bill forward that could alleviate the ongoing government shutdown, affecting millions.
The group, which includes seasoned political figures and retiring senators, faced backlash from prominent Democratic leaders who labeled their votes a “betrayal” and “pathetic.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the senators on Monday, asserting they “decided to put principle over their personal politics.”
Among the five Democrats who switched their votes to support the agreement are:
– Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire): A former governor, Shaheen emphasized, “This was the only deal on the table. It was our best chance to reopen the government and immediately begin negotiations to extend the ACA tax credits that tens of millions of Americans rely on.”
– Dick Durbin (Illinois): The second-highest ranking Democrat stated, “This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce their shutdown’s hurt.”
– Tim Kaine (Virginia): Citing protections against mass layoffs, Kaine noted the urgency of the situation for his state.
– Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire): Acknowledging early involvement in negotiations, Hassan highlighted the pressing threats to federal food aid.
– Jacky Rosen (Nevada): Rosen criticized Republicans for inflicting pain on working families through deliberate shutdown tactics.
The other three senators had previously been voting in favor of reopening the government since the shutdown began on October 1. They include:
– Angus King (Maine): An independent who caucuses with Democrats, King played a key role in negotiations, often hosting discussions in his Capitol office.
– Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada): Another consistent supporter of reopening efforts.
– John Fetterman (Pennsylvania): Elected in 2022, Fetterman expressed regret for the impact on military personnel and federal workers, stating, “I’m sorry to our military, SNAP recipients, gov workers, and Capitol Police who haven’t been paid in weeks.”
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated: millions of Americans reliant on federal services are facing uncertainty as the shutdown continues. The compromise funding bill addresses key issues such as funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other essential services, which are critical for families struggling during this crisis.
As the Senate prepares for the next steps, all eyes will be on how this bipartisan effort affects negotiations moving forward and whether it will be enough to restore full government operations before the looming deadlines.
Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.
