UPDATE: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries just announced that House Democrats will vote against a Republican-led deal aimed at temporarily reopening the government. This decision comes after Senate Democrats advanced a spending package on Sunday night that lacks critical funding for Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare subsidies, leaving millions of Americans at risk of skyrocketing premiums.
The Senate voted 60-40 to move forward with the spending package, which would fund the federal government until January 20, 2026. However, it does not include the extension of ACA subsidies, a key Democratic priority. If these subsidies expire, experts warn that many could see their monthly premiums double or even triple. “That is unacceptable,” Jeffries stated during a press conference earlier today. “It will be unaffordable for working-class Americans, middle-class Americans, and everyday Americans to go see a doctor when they need one.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-L.A.) is pressing members to return to Capitol Hill immediately, aiming for a vote to reopen the government as soon as Wednesday. However, House Democrats are united in their stance against the bill. “As House Democrats, we know we’re on the right side of this fight,” Jeffries emphasized. “We’re not going to support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people.”
The GOP’s spending package includes provisions for SNAP benefits and backpay for furloughed federal workers, but its support hinges on a future vote regarding ACA subsidies, which Senate Majority Leader John Thune has tentatively promised for December. However, skepticism remains high among Democrats.
U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman criticized the deal, stating that it reflects Republicans’ refusal to negotiate a bipartisan agreement. “We must hold firm for the millions of people who will lose their health care due to the Republicans’ healthcare crisis,” Goldman declared. “I am a strong no on this deal, and I urge my Democratic colleagues to continue fighting for a deal that truly delivers for the American people.”
Similarly, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez expressed her discontent, calling the proposed deal a betrayal of the American people. “A ‘deal’ that leaves millions facing higher health costs in exchange for empty promises is unacceptable,” she stated on X. “The Senate should reject it, and I will vote NO if it reaches the House.”
Despite the opposition from House Democrats, Republicans maintain a majority and could still pass the bill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who voted against the package, criticized the GOP’s handling of the healthcare crisis, stating, “Republicans now own this healthcare crisis; they knew it was coming.”
Jeffries remarked that he has not yet spoken to the Senate Democrats who supported the measure, indicating that they will need to justify their votes to their constituents. “The fight is getting ready to shift back to the House, where we’re going to work hard, hold Republicans accountable,” he promised.
As the government shutdown continues into its 42nd day, the stakes are high for millions of Americans who rely on affordable healthcare. The outcome of this legislative battle is expected to unfold quickly, with significant implications for the future of healthcare access across the nation. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
