UPDATE: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has officially announced that House Democrats will vote against the Republican-sponsored legislation aimed at temporarily reopening the government as the shutdown stretches into its 42nd day. This decision comes after a critical 60-40 vote in the Senate on Sunday night, advancing a spending package that excludes vital healthcare subsidies for millions of Americans.
The proposed legislation would fund the federal government through January 20, 2026, but without the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which could lead to skyrocketing premiums for those relying on ACA policies. Jeffries stated at a press conference, “That is unacceptable. It will be unaffordable for working-class Americans, middle-class Americans, and everyday Americans to see a doctor when they need one.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for members to return to Capitol Hill immediately, with hopes to hold a vote as early as Wednesday. Jeffries emphasized, “As House Democrats, we know we’re on the right side of this fight, the right side of the American people,” asserting their refusal to support a partisan bill that compromises healthcare accessibility.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has reportedly agreed to schedule a vote on extending ACA subsidies in December, but many Democrats believe the GOP’s approach remains detrimental. Senator Dick Durbin, one of the few Democrats who supported the bill, acknowledged the progress made compared to previous proposals, stating, “This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce their shutdown’s hurt.”
However, dissenting voices from Brooklyn lawmakers are growing louder. Representative Dan Goldman criticized the Senate Democrats who voted in favor, labeling the deal as capitulation to Republican demands. “We must hold firm for the millions of people who will lose their healthcare due to the Republicans’ healthcare crisis,” Goldman asserted.
Representative Nydia Velázquez, echoing similar sentiments, condemned the agreement as a betrayal to constituents, asserting, “Americans are counting on Democrats to stand up for them, not give in.”
Despite the unified opposition from House Democrats, the Republican majority in the House could still push the bill through, even if all 213 Democrats vote against it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the legislation on the Senate floor, stating, “Republicans now own this healthcare crisis; they knew it was coming.”
Jeffries has yet to communicate with Senate Democrats who supported the bill and expressed that they will need to justify their actions to their constituents. He reiterated his commitment to holding Republicans accountable as the focus shifts back to the House.
As the situation develops, the implications of this standoff continue to be felt across the nation. Millions are left in uncertainty regarding their healthcare coverage, and the pressure mounts on lawmakers to reach a resolution. The fight for ACA subsidies remains at the forefront as both parties prepare for the next critical vote.
