In the latest chapter of what is historically the longest government shutdown to date, most Senate Republicans, 7 Democrats, and an Independent representative have approved a procedural vote to fund the government until January 30, restoring funds for veterans' programs and food assistance while reversing federal employee layoffs from October.
The agreement will finally put an end to the financial panics that many federal employees and social welfare programs faced as they were quickly running out of funds. However, the agreement excludes Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions, with a vote scheduled for December to deliberate on the issue impacting nearly 24 million Americans.
Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan (R) applauded the decision, commending the Democrat and Independent politicians for putting aside partisan beliefs for the good of the U.S.
“I applaud the seven Senate Democrats and one Independent who put country over politics and voted to advance a clean CR. We are one step closer to restoring stability for families, workers, and small businesses across America,” Buchanan expressed.
Other Florida politicians, such as Lois Frankel (D), continue to argue for more healthcare funding, confirming she will “continue fighting in the House for affordable health care.”
“Let me be clear. I do not support the legislation being pushed by the Republican-controlled Senate that would leave millions of Americans without access to affordable health care and pile even more pressure on already-stretched family budgets,” Frankel shared on social media. “I will continue to stand with like-minded colleagues in the House and Senate to fight for a health care system where no one has to choose between paying the rent and seeing a doctor.”
Despite Frankel’s affirmations, some say cracks are beginning to show in the Democrats’ resolve.
The Independent Senator, Angus King (I-ME), said the push for more healthcare funding “wasn’t going to happen.” He cited the shutdown’s failure to garner support for the Democrats’ goal and that extending this conflict will not work in the Democrats’ favor.
California Representative Ro Khanna (D) claims that party leadership is to blame for leading a doomed effort.
“Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?” Rep. Khanna questioned on X.
Still, others are holding onto the notion, refusing to back down.
"That’s not a deal. It’s an unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose healthcare premiums are about to double," Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) warned in a post on X.
