The reactionary U.S. Senate passed a disaster supplemental funding bill on Sunday. While not the main event here, this was monumental action which ended a 40-day federal government shutdown. The shutdown had disastrous effects. It furloughed millions of federal workers and threw important services — including food assistance and national parks — into chaos. Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, air traffic control staffing shortages sparked fears of serious interruptions to holiday travel.
Throughout the shutdown, Democrats opposed measures to reopen the government every step of the way. They only did this 14 times until caving in and agreeing to bargain. They advocated for a two-year extension of important tax credits. This extension would reduce costs for Americans’ health plans offered through the Affordable Care Act. Republicans were the first to the “no” on negotiating on extending healthcare subsidies as long as the government was shut down.
Bipartisan Efforts to Resolve the Stalemate
That change came with a moderate Democrat’s proposal bubbling to the surface after days of back-room bargaining. When Republican Senator John Cornyn joined with his support, the proposal caught fire. His own decisive vote assured the 60–40 margin in favor of the badly-needed funding bill. The resolution seeks to rescind a subset of mass layoffs recently enacted by the Trump administration. It provides $2 billion to cover one year of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, one of the trio of former governors who first broke the voting impasse, sounded an optimistic note. She praised the deep bipartisanship that allowed the bill to pass. She acknowledged the role of collaboration in bringing together stakeholders to address the challenges laid out by the shutdown.
“Temperatures cool, the atmospheric pressure increases outside and all of a sudden it looks like things will come together.” – Senator Tillis
While so much had been achieved, there was still plenty to be disappointed about – most notably the lack of improved healthcare subsidies. Democrats argued that premiums would be set to increase by over 100% next year if Congress permits these subsidies to end.
The Impact on Federal Workers and Services
The personal toll of the shutdown on federal workers was catastrophic, with many civil servants forced to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. The resolution contains a provision that bars the firing of federal employees until January 30. This provides long overdue relief to workers and businesses hurt by the shutdown.
The additional SNAP benefits have been lifelines of food assistance. They help low-income families through this critical time. The resolution would help address the negative impacts suffered by people who depend on federal assistance.
Senator Richard Blumenthal articulated the frustrations felt by many regarding the negotiations on healthcare tax credits. He noted the importance of making sure that there’s a real legislative plan to extend these credits rather than just some airy-fairy hope.
“I am unwilling to accept a vague promise of a vote at some indeterminate time, on some undefined measure that extends the healthcare tax credits.” – Senator Richard Blumenthal
Looking Ahead: The Future of Healthcare Subsidies
As Congress continues, these healthcare subsidies are at the center of debates over upcoming must-pass funding bills. Despite the resolution’s passage, many Democrats continue to prioritize securing these subsidies, as they believe that affordable healthcare coverage is crucial for millions of Americans.
The bipartisan support seen in this latest funding bill may signal a shift in the political landscape, potentially leading to more collaborative efforts in addressing pressing issues such as healthcare affordability and federal funding.
President Trump called on the deal, saying that we were making great strides toward ending the shutdown nightmare.
“It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending, you’ll know very soon.” – Mr. Trump
