Government Funding Bill Passes Senate, Faces Uncertainty in House Amid Health Care Dispute
The House of Representatives is set to pass a funding bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The bill extends funding levels for most government programs until Jan. 30 and fully funds programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through Sept. 30, 2026. The Senate approved the bill with bipartisan support, including a provision to reverse layoffs caused by the shutdown. However, Democrats are unhappy that the bill does not address expiring health care subsidies, a key issue in the standoff.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune agreed to hold a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits by mid-December as part of a compromise with Democrats. The fate of the bill in the House is uncertain, as Speaker Mike Johnson has not guaranteed a vote. Democrats believe the shutdown has increased pressure on Republicans to address health care issues, warning of political consequences in the upcoming elections.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the bill for not addressing health care concerns and urged House Democrats to vote against it. Republicans argue that the shutdown's impact on government services will harm Democrats in the elections. President Trump suggested that the shutdown hurt the GOP in recent elections. The long shutdown may influence voters' decisions in the upcoming midterm elections, especially if economic concerns persist.