9 months ago
Senate Passes Bill to End Government Shutdown, Amidst Democratic Discontent
Imagine the government is like a big household that ran out of money to pay its bills.
Congress, which is like the parents of the household, couldn't agree on how to get more money.
Because they couldn't agree, some of the grown-ups who work for the government didn't get paid, and some government offices closed.
This is called a government shutdown.
Finally, a group of senators made a deal to pay the bills for a little while longer so everyone can get back to work and get paid.
However, not everyone agreed with the deal because it didn't immediately fix a special program that helps people pay for doctor visits.
Some people are upset that this important program wasn't fixed right away, even though the government is now open.
The Senate passed a procedural vote to fund the government and end the shutdown.
The agreement provides funding until the end of January.
A separate vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits is scheduled for mid-December.
The deal halts massive cuts to federal workers and guarantees back pay.
The compromise faced anger from some Democrats who felt concessions on healthcare subsidies were not secured.
- Who
- The U.S. Senate, including a bipartisan group of senators and Democratic leadership.
- What
- A procedural vote passed a compromise bill to fund the federal government and end a shutdown, with a separate vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits scheduled later.
- Where
- U.S. Senate, Capitol Hill, Washington.
- When
- Thursday (procedural vote), funding until end of January, tax credit vote in mid-December.
- Why
- To end the government shutdown and provide federal funding, though a deal on ACA tax credits was not part of the immediate funding bill, leading to dissent.
Key facts
- Procedural Vote Count
- 60-40
- Government Funding Duration
- Until the end of January
- Vote on Tax Credits
- Scheduled for mid-December
- Impact on Federal Workers
- Halt of massive cuts, guarantee of full wages post-shutdown
- Key Democratic Supporters of the Deal
- Shaheen, Hassan, King, Kaine, Durbin, Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Rosen
Quotes
Stefany Shaheen
Congressional candidate in New Hampshire and daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
“We need to both end this shutdown and extend the ACA tax credits. Otherwise, no deal.”
indianexpress.com
“I can’t speak for her. I think she did what she believes is right.”
indianexpress.com
Jeanne Shaheen
U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
“My daughter’s independent, she’s always been independent. That’s why she’s going to be a great congresswoman.”
indianexpress.com
“And the messages from New Hampshire have been very positive.”
indianexpress.com
Heath Howard
New Hampshire Democrat and state representative
“Why did your mom vote for it?”
indianexpress.com
“ashamed”
indianexpress.com
Maura Sullivan
Democrat running for Rep. Chris Pappas's seat
“I didn’t serve our country in the Marines to watch leaders cave when health care for 9 million Americans is on the line. Democrats should be standing firm, not surrendering when Americans’ health is at stake.”
indianexpress.com
