Democrats Divided Over Ending Government Shutdown

Just days after a significant Democratic victory, a group of eight senators – seven Democrats and one Independent – have voted with Republicans to advance legislation ending the government shutdown. This move has drawn sharp criticism from within their own party, who see it as caving without securing key concessions, particularly on healthcare subsidies.

A Compromise That Divides

The compromise measure passed by a 60-to-40 vote, with a pledge from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to allow a vote in December on extending expiring healthcare subsidies. However, many Democrats argue this promise is insufficient, as it’s unlikely to pass in a Republican-controlled Congress. The expiration of these subsidies could significantly raise insurance premiums for millions.

Critics point out that Republicans spent weeks spreading misinformation, blaming Democrats for the shutdown and falsely claiming they were trying to provide free healthcare to undocumented immigrants. The Trump administration reportedly used federal websites and even pushed for videos in airports to blame Democrats, despite Republicans controlling Congress and the executive branch.

Disappointment from Party Leadership

Party leaders expressed dismay at the vote. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) called the promise of a future vote “complete BS,” emphasizing the urgent need for healthcare. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) voted against the resolution, highlighting that it would increase premiums, remove people from Medicaid, and lead to unnecessary deaths, all while providing tax breaks for billionaires.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stated that the bill failed to address the “Republican healthcare crisis.” Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) also indicated he would vote against it, expecting others fighting for constituents to do the same. The swift reversal of these strong stances has led to accusations of broken promises.

The Eight Who Voted Yes

The senators who voted in favor of the compromise include Independent Sen. August King (I-Maine), who cited the harm caused by the shutdown. Democrats Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) also supported the measure, often citing the promise of a future vote on healthcare or the immediate reversal of layoffs and back pay for furloughed workers.

Sen. Durbin, who is retiring, noted the bill’s inclusion of reversing layoffs as a key difference. Sen. Fetterman, who had previously voted with Republicans multiple times, apologized to military members, food stamp recipients, government workers, and Capitol Police officers who had gone unpaid. Sens. Hassan and Shaheen stressed the need for “serious, bipartisan negotiations” moving forward, while Sen. Cortez Masto acknowledged the need to extend healthcare subsidies but not at the expense of shutdown impacts.

Trump Targets Air Traffic Controllers

Adding to the chaos, President Trump took to Truth Social to threaten federal air traffic controllers who called out of work due to the shutdown, many of whom hadn’t been paid in over 40 days. He demanded they “get back to work, NOW!!!” and warned of “substantial” docking of pay for anyone who didn’t comply.

Trump praised those who continued working as “GREAT PATRIOTS” and promised them a $10,000 bonus, while threatening those who quit with “NO payment or severance of any kind!” and quick replacement. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association pushed back, stating that the vast majority are working tirelessly under immense stress without pay, calling them “unsung heroes.”