Senate Advances Bill to Reopen Government Amid Ongoing Shutdown
House Votes Expected Soon
The House of Representatives could initiate voting on a Senate-passed bill to end the government shutdown as early as Wednesday afternoon, according to House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. The vote is anticipated to begin at approximately 4 p.m., with multiple votes likely. Should the bill pass, it will be sent to President Trump for approval. Notably, the House has not been in session since prior to the shutdown’s commencement.
Senate Passes Funding Bill
Late Sunday, the Senate approved the funding package aimed at ending the government shutdown with a decisive 60-to-40 vote. Eight Democratic senators joined nearly all Republican senators to support the bill after reaching a compromise that includes concessions from Republican leadership. This marks a significant development on Day 41 of the shutdown after the legislation cleared a critical procedural hurdle.
Fetterman’s Commitment to Health Care
In the wake of the shutdown chaos, Democratic Senator John Fetterman emphasized the importance of health care tax credits as part of ongoing negotiations. Reflecting on the urgency brought about by the shutdown, he stated, “We need to find a way forward… but I just refuse to shut our government down and hold our government hostage.” His remarks came after voting in favor of the bill that funds the government until at least late January, in exchange for Senate Republicans agreeing to hold a vote next month on extending health insurance tax credits set to expire.
Sanders Vostarts Discontent
Contrasting Fetterman’s perspective, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed deep dissatisfaction with the deal, deeming it a “disaster” for Democrats. He criticized the support from the eight Democratic senators, arguing they received negligible concessions and characterizing the vote as a capitulation. Sanders questistartd the validity of the health insurance tax credit vote as an adequate exchange for reopening the government.
Thune Seeks Path on Health Insurance Tax Credits
Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed that discussions concerning the impending expiration of health insurance tax credits are taking place. He assured colleagues that a vote would happen next month, although it’s uncertain if a consensus would be reached on the matter. Thune recognized the necessity of addressing health care affordability, noting the unsustainable trajectory of rising premiums within the individual marketplace.
Legislative Framework of the Bill
The Senate’s funding package not only aims to maintain government operations through January but also seeks to reverse job cuts initiated during the shutdown and prevent further layoffs. Three full-year appropriations bills for various departments-including military construction and veterans affairs-are encompassed within this legislative measure.
Reactions from House Leadership
House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged members to return to Washington immediately in anticipation of the scheduled vote. He remarked, “It’s time to get back to work,” addressing both Republican and Democrat colleagues, highlighting the need for prompt resolution of governmental functions after a prolonged shutdown.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the House vote continues, the bipartisan deal marks a critical juncture in the ongoing political struggle over government funding and health care policy. The implications of this agreement may resonate deeply within party lines, possibly shaping future legislative priorities as the nation moves forward.
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