Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, was one of the 40 who voted against the deal to end the shutdown, citing concerns about a lack of protections for healthcare and democracy. He argued the deal conceded to President Trump without securing any real benefits, potentially emboldening him. Murphy expressed concern over the internal divisions within the Democratic party, emphasizing the need for unity to combat the President’s actions, and hinting at potential leadership changes. He highlighted the public’s desire for Democrats to stand firm on healthcare protections and the party’s responsibility to adhere to those mandates.
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The conventional wisdom about government shutdowns is that they always fail, but this time Democrats were surprisingly successful in shifting blame to Donald Trump and highlighting key issues like healthcare. Polls consistently placed blame on Trump, and his approval ratings declined during the shutdown. Democrats were poised to gain from the situation, potentially forcing Republicans to end the filibuster, but some Democratic senators ultimately defected. Despite the potential for a more democratic outcome, Democrats opted to withdraw, even though the short-term pain would have been significant.
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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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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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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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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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Senate reaches deal on ending the shutdown. Well, that’s the headline, isn’t it? But, reading between the lines, things aren’t quite as straightforward as they might seem. The agreement, it seems, hinges on a promise – a vote in December to extend those Affordable Care Act subsidies. Now, on the surface, that sounds good, right? A vote to potentially protect healthcare coverage. But let’s really look at it.
The devil, as they say, is in the details. That “promise” comes from Senate Majority Leader John Thune. He’s promising the Democrats a vote. But a vote is just a vote. It doesn’t guarantee anything.… Continue reading
Footage of Donald Trump appearing to close his eyes during an Oval Office announcement sparked criticism and fueled concerns about his stamina. The event involved an announcement on reducing prices for weight-loss drugs, where Trump was observed with his eyes closed or struggling to keep them open. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office, quickly seized on the images, while the White House defended the president, emphasizing his active role in the announcement and other recent activities. Despite regular public appearances and the White House’s assertion of his energy, questions about Trump’s health persist, especially given his age and previous diagnoses.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood