House Democrats Launch Voting On Bill To End 50-Day Government Shutdown Amid Fury Over Healthcare Subsidies Compromise.
The US House of Representatives began voting on a bill that could mark the end of the longest-ever government shutdown, as lawmakers faced intense backlash from progressive groups and some members of the Democratic caucus over a Senate-brokered compromise that fails to extend expiring healthcare subsidies. The measure, which would fund the federal government through January, is seen as welcome news for the White House, which is eager to end the shutdown.
The bill's passage comes after a 50-day absence ordered by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who used the recess to pressure Senate Democrats into reopening the government. The move sparked fury among some Democrats, many of whom have called the plan a betrayal and demanded that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer resign.
Influential progressive groups have criticized the bill's failure to extend tax credits that lowered premiums for Affordable Care Act health plans, potentially leading to sharp rises in healthcare premiums or loss of marketplace coverage. The measure has also drawn criticism from some moderate Democrats, who may opt to vote against it despite a 219-member majority in the House.
The bill would extend government funding at current levels through January and include provisions to stop mass federal firings and reverse dismissals that occurred during the shutdown. It would also guarantee back pay to workers who have spent weeks without paychecks.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has stated it's his "strong expectation" that House Democrats will vote against the proposal, while lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing for swift passage. With a tiny majority in the House, Republican leaders can afford to lose only two votes, but moderate Democrats may also opt to support the bill.
The bill's fate remains uncertain as voting continues, with many furloughed federal workers facing uncertainty over their paychecks and millions of Americans at risk of losing food assistance due to the shutdown.
The US House of Representatives began voting on a bill that could mark the end of the longest-ever government shutdown, as lawmakers faced intense backlash from progressive groups and some members of the Democratic caucus over a Senate-brokered compromise that fails to extend expiring healthcare subsidies. The measure, which would fund the federal government through January, is seen as welcome news for the White House, which is eager to end the shutdown.
The bill's passage comes after a 50-day absence ordered by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who used the recess to pressure Senate Democrats into reopening the government. The move sparked fury among some Democrats, many of whom have called the plan a betrayal and demanded that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer resign.
Influential progressive groups have criticized the bill's failure to extend tax credits that lowered premiums for Affordable Care Act health plans, potentially leading to sharp rises in healthcare premiums or loss of marketplace coverage. The measure has also drawn criticism from some moderate Democrats, who may opt to vote against it despite a 219-member majority in the House.
The bill would extend government funding at current levels through January and include provisions to stop mass federal firings and reverse dismissals that occurred during the shutdown. It would also guarantee back pay to workers who have spent weeks without paychecks.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has stated it's his "strong expectation" that House Democrats will vote against the proposal, while lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing for swift passage. With a tiny majority in the House, Republican leaders can afford to lose only two votes, but moderate Democrats may also opt to support the bill.
The bill's fate remains uncertain as voting continues, with many furloughed federal workers facing uncertainty over their paychecks and millions of Americans at risk of losing food assistance due to the shutdown.
, democrats are supposed to be on the side of ppl but now they're just gonna let republicans get away with this healthcare stuff... it's all about politics, not people 
. i mean, can't they see how this is gonna affect the actual americans who need help? food assistance and healthcare subsidies are already being cut bc of the shutdown, now they're gonna vote for this bill that doesn't even do anything for those ppl 
. i just wish they could put people over politics for once... it's like they're all forgetting what they're even there for 
.
this has been such a stressful time for so many people, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet with their paychecks frozen and all the food banks getting slammed . I feel bad for the mods who are going to have to make some tough choices on this one - it's not easy seeing your party divide like this 
can't wait to see how it all plays out, fingers crossed!
I'm just worried about all these people who are gonna lose their jobs or struggle to get food because of this bill... 
I know some people are saying it's not perfect, but come on, 50 days without pay is crazy! 
We need to take care of our own people first, you know? 
... I mean, come on! Can't they just agree on something already? It's like, we've had a 50-day wait and it's still up in the air whether or not this bill passes. And don't even get me started on the healthcare subsidies compromise - it's just so frustrating for all those people who are struggling to make ends meet. I'm sure the White House is happy with whatever they come out with, but what about the ones who are actually affected by this? 
I'm low-key relieved that the government shutdown is finally ending, even if it is a bit messy 
It's crazy how one party's deal can cause so much drama among their own ranks 
. And honestly, I think the whole healthcare subsidies thing is just a total mess 
Anyway, this bill might just be the lifeline the country needs to get back on track after that 50-day shutdown 
Ugh, just thinking about this whole government shutdown thing is so stressful! 
. What if moderate Dems don't support it though? 
It's like the whole country is holding its breath waiting for this thing to pass 
. And what about those furloughed workers? 
Do they just get a bunch of nothing for months? 
I'm just rooting for them all 
I mean, think about all those people who were relying on affordable healthcare plans and now they're at risk of losing coverage. It's just not right, you feel? 
I'm not even gonna lie, I'm kinda hoping some Democrats throw their hat in and vote against it... like, we need more representation for the people, you know? 
. And now, it seems like some Democrats are going to vote against a bill that extends healthcare subsidies... what even is that?! 
. Can we just get some unity over here?! 
. It's like, what's the point of even having a government if you're just gonna leave people hanging? I hope House Democrats can get their act together and vote for this bill already... we need some stability here 
.
I mean, I get it, he's passionate about his cause, but do we really need to resort to threats and ultimatums? 
.
!
. I mean, come on, 50-day shutdown is long enough already, why do they need to make it last longer? 
just saw that US House is voting on a bill to end 50-day government shutdown... hope they vote yes ASAP, thousands of ppl are sufferin' due to this shutdown 
.