Senate Votes on Funding Bill Amidst Ongoing Shutdown Negotiations
Senate Vote Remains Open
As the Senate continues its deliberations, voting on a House-passed continuing resolution remains open after over an hour, with four Republican senators yet to cast their votes. Senators Mike Lee (Utah), Rick Scott (Florida), Ron Johnson (Wisconsin), and John Cornyn (Texas) have not participated in the vote, which is critical for advancing the funding measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune was observed discussing the situation with Lee, Scott, and Johnson, while Cornyn was not present on the Senate floor.
Key Vote for Advancing Funding Bill
The Senate is currently engaged in a vote to advance the continuing resolution aimed at reopening the government. This measure has faced challenges in the past, failing to reach the necessary 60-vote threshold on 14 occasions. To succeed this time, Republicans require five additional Democratic votes. If approved, the bill will be amended to include a set of longer-term appropriations bills, potentially unlocking progress towards ending the ongoing government shutdown.
Schumer’s Opposition
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed strong objections to the current funding bill, citing an urgent health care crisis during the ongoing shutdown. “I must vote no – this health care crisis is so severe… that I cannot in good faith support this CR that fails to address the health care crisis,” Schumer stated on the Senate floor. He also criticized Republicans for their lack of engagement on health care issues and emphasized the need for continued efforts to address the crisis.
Deal Reached by Senate Democrats
A compromise appears to be forming, with at least eight Democratic senators prepared to support the negotiated deal. Sources report that this agreement, led by Senators Angus King, Jeanne Shaheen, and Maggie Hassan, involves provisions for a vote related to the Affordable Care Act by mid-December. Additionally, it includes the reversal of notstarts for layoffs issued during the shutdown and extends the stopgap funding measure through January.
Prospects for Reopening Government
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has stated his support for the funding deal, noting it ensures a vote to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. He emphasized that voters expect lawmakers to take action and protect federal workers from dismissals while guaranteeing they receive back pay.
Mixed Reactions from Leadership
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared that House Democrats would not support any bill that fails to extend ACA tax credits, aligning with many of his party members who prioritize health care costs. Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Maryland Governor Wes Moore echoed sentiments for immediate government reopening while safeguarding health care benefits.
Economic Concerns Amid Shutdown
The economic implications of the shutdown remain severe, with predictions of potential negative GDP growth if the crisis persists. Notably, the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday poses a significant risk for the economy if the government remains closed, as significant air travel and consumer spending is expected.
As discussions continue in the Senate, all eyes are on the outcome of today’s critical vote and the potential for a resolution to the funding impasse that has left many federal workers and citizens in uncertainty.
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