Eight Democratic senators have decided to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Their vote comes after weeks of political tension and debate over how to handle the standoff with Republicans. The deal they supported does not include Democrats’ main demand: extending boosted health care subsidies for Americans using the Affordable Care Act.
The senators who voted to reopen the government are Dick Durbin of Illinois, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Jackie Rosen of Nevada, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats. Some of them, including Fetterman, Cortez Masto, and King, had already supported bringing the bill to the Senate floor earlier in the shutdown.
These votes show a split in the party. Many Democrats and voters had hoped the shutdown could pressure Republicans and President Trump. Polling showed the public blamed Republicans for the shutdown, giving Democrats an advantage. Now, by ending it, these eight senators risk upsetting voters who wanted the shutdown to push for stronger policies.
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The senators defended their decision by pointing to the hardships caused by the shutdown. Government workers have gone without pay, and programs like SNAP have faced delays, leaving families struggling to buy food.
Jeanne Shaheen emphasized the political importance, saying, “This agreement gives Democrats control of the Senate floor — at a time when Republicans control every level of power — on one of our top legislative priorities.”
Angus King highlighted the strategy behind bringing the bill to the floor. “Our judgment is that the best way to do that is to get a bill on the floor. Is there a guarantee it will pass? No. Is it a guarantee it will pass? In the House, there is actually some very strong interest,” he said.
Senator Tim Kaine focused on the human impact. “This was the reality, SNAP recipients suffering, nothing happening on ACA,” he said. “The vote tonight will be full, and not just last year’s, but full and robust SNAP funding and a path on the ACA. So from suffering and no path, we’ve now got robust benefits and a path.”
Catherine Cortez Masto also wanted to put Republicans on the record. “If Republicans want to join us in lowering costs for working families, they have the chance to do so. And if they do not come to the table, they will own the premium increases they cause,” she said.
Dick Durbin added that the deal would protect workers and reverse Trump administration firings. “Not only would it fully fund SNAP for the year ahead, but it would reverse the mass firings the Trump Administration ordered throughout the shutdown,” he said.
Criticism from some Democrats and progressives was immediate. They said the eight senators gave in too soon. Durbin defended the vote on CNN. “Those criticizing the deal need to understand how the Senate works. We have brought this issue as a major national issue from zero to a major factor,” he said.
Featured image via X screengrab
