Senate Passes Bill to End Government Shutdown After Democratic Infighting

The Senate has successfully passed a bill to end the government shutdown, which has been the longest in U.S. history, lasting 41 days. This resolution, approved by a vote of 60 to 40, saw eight Democratic senators break ranks with their party to join Republicans in reaching a compromise that will fund the government through January 30, 2026.

However, the deal has sparked significant infighting within the Democratic Party, raising questions about party unity and leadership ahead of upcoming elections. According to the New York Times, various factions within the party, including moderate House members, progressive senators, and establishment candidates, expressed strong opposition to the compromise, citing that it failed to extend health care subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Representative Greg Casar of Texas criticized the deal, calling it a betrayal of millions who depend on Democrats to reduce health care costs. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who is eyeing a Senate seat, echoed these sentiments, stating that the agreement does not adequately address the main demand of the party.

NBC News reported that the legislation is now headed to the House, where a vote could occur as soon as Wednesday. Despite the Senate's passage of the bill, House Democratic leadership has indicated it will whip its members to oppose the measure, although some Democrats, such as retiring Representative Jared Golden from Maine, may support it.

The approval of the bill is seen as a means to rehire over 4,000 federal employees who were laid off during the shutdown and to ensure they receive back pay. While the deal also prohibits future reductions in force through the end of January, it does not guarantee an extension of Covid-era enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies.

According to Breitbart News, this has led to concerns that the deal may further alienate progressive voters, reinforcing the belief that the Democratic establishment is not adequately addressing their concerns.

The ongoing infighting could complicate the party's messaging as they approach the midterm elections, with many Democrats fearing that failure to unify could jeopardize their electoral prospects. As the situation develops, the focus will be on whether House Democrats can present a united front in the face of internal dissent and on how this rift may influence future legislative efforts.