The longest government shutdown in U.S. history appeared to be nearing its end, as a group of Democratic senators joined with Republicans to move forward with a funding bill to end the 39-day impasse.
Earlier in the day, a group of moderates — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) — reached a deal to extend government funding through January, as well as on three other annual spending bills. Five other Senate Democrats joined them in ensuring passage of a procedural vote that paves the way for ending the shutdown.
The plan includes a promise of a vote on the health care subsidies by December.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), who had voted against the government funding proposal, said in a statement before Sunday’s vote that the deal “guarantees a vote to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which Republicans weren’t willing to do. Lawmakers know their constituents expect them to vote for it, and if they don’t, they could very well be replaced at the ballot box by someone who will.
It also includes a reinstatement of those government workers who were fired during the shutdown, which started on Oct. 1, as well as backpay for federal employees who have either been furloughed or who have gone without pay during the impasse, Kaine said.
Yet as news of the deal spread, other Democrats came out against any deal, which would fall short of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies through next year.
Kaine’s colleague, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), said that he could not support a deal “that still leaves millions of Americans wondering how they are going to pay for their health care or whether they will be able to afford
