Following a Senate vote, eight Democrats joined Republicans to end a government shutdown without securing significant concessions. This move sparked outrage from progressives and other lawmakers, who accused the Democrats of capitulation. Critics lamented the failure to address rising healthcare premiums or restore Medicaid funding, while the deal offered only a “meaningless” promise of a vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. The vote has been interpreted as a missed opportunity to stand up against Trump’s policies, especially after recent electoral wins showed the electorate’s desire for resistance.
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Former Rep. Joe Walsh criticized the Senate’s actions regarding the government shutdown, questioning the outcome’s alignment with voter expectations. Walsh specifically targeted the eight Democratic senators who voted in favor of a Republican funding bill to end the shutdown. He indicated that Democrats were not standing up for their voters. The procedural vote took place on November 10, 2025.
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Democrats are expressing outrage over the agreement to reopen the federal government without securing key health care provisions. This discontent is largely directed at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, with many criticizing his leadership and strategy during the negotiations. Progressive Democrats, including those running for Senate, are calling for his replacement, citing his inability to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Schumer, while vocal in his opposition to the deal on the Senate floor, has remained silent in response to the calls for his ouster.
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The Senate agreement to end the government shutdown sparked outrage among Democrats, who viewed the deal as a failure to address key priorities like healthcare funding. Lawmakers and progressive groups criticized the agreement for not adequately resolving healthcare extensions and for caving to Republican pressure. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed to oppose the measure, and other representatives echoed these concerns, describing the plan as a “surrender” and a “lousy deal”. The plan included a temporary funding extension and a promise of a December vote on Obamacare tax credits, but faced significant opposition within the Democratic party.
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As the government shutdown persists, Congressional Republicans are reportedly attempting to include anti-abortion language in government funding legislation. Senator Ron Wyden expressed concern over a reported GOP demand to restrict ACA tax credits from being used for plans covering abortion care, which he characterized as a backdoor national abortion ban. Republicans may be attempting to weaponize federal funding for organizations related to women’s reproductive healthcare and the tax code by revoking non-profit status. This move further complicates negotiations to end the shutdown, while President Trump is also pushing proposals regarding the distribution of federal funds.
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On Sunday, the Senate began the process to end the longest government shutdown after eight Democratic senators reached an agreement with Republicans, notably without securing the Democrats’ key demand for extended healthcare subsidies. These senators, including Durbin, Shaheen, and Kaine, justified their decision by highlighting the detrimental impact of the shutdown on government workers and the public. They also pointed to Republican promises to vote on restoring the Affordable Care Act subsidies, framing it as a strategic move to hold Republicans accountable on healthcare. This decision, however, risked alienating the Democratic base and potentially undermining the party’s previous political advantage gained during the shutdown.
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In a pivotal move to end the government shutdown, the Senate voted to proceed with compromise legislation, despite objections from many Democrats regarding the lack of guaranteed extension for health care subsidies. A group of moderate Democrats agreed to advance three bipartisan spending bills and extend government funding until January in exchange for a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. This agreement, which would also reinstate federal workers and ensure back pay, was met with criticism from House Democrats. Although the deal moved forward, the future of the health care subsidies and the potential for any common ground between the parties on the matter remained uncertain.
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A deal spearheaded by three New England senators could end the government shutdown by fully funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and reversing federal worker layoffs. However, the agreement omits an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, potentially raising insurance premiums for millions. Several local politicians, including Senators Markey and Warren, voiced strong opposition, vowing not to support the deal without healthcare affordability measures. Despite the controversy, the initial procedural vote passed, paving the way for a Senate vote and eventual consideration by the House and the President.
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A federal judge rebuked the Trump administration for failing to comply with an order to fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, citing the president’s own statements as evidence of defiance. Despite the judge’s directive for full payment by Friday, the administration appealed the ruling and benefits remained unpaid, leaving millions without food assistance. The judge had previously pointed out the administration’s intent to withhold the payments for political reasons and highlighted the precedent of SNAP funding continuing during past shutdowns. An administrative order from Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson halted the lower court’s ruling, allowing the government to continue withholding funds while the appellate court reviews the matter.
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Democrats across the ideological spectrum are criticizing a deal to end the government shutdown, viewing it as a betrayal of the party’s goals. The deal, negotiated by moderate Senators, would offer a future, likely failing, vote on extending Obamacare subsidies in exchange for reopening the government. Many, including DNC Chair Ken Martin and progressive officials, are condemning the agreement for failing to secure meaningful concessions on healthcare, an issue where Democrats hold an advantage. Criticism is particularly strong among those with little influence in the deal, setting the stage for potential opposition in the House and upcoming Senate primaries.
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John Q. Hosedrinker