UPDATE: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has confirmed that House Democrats will vote against the Republican-led shutdown deal, as the government remains in crisis. This announcement comes just hours after Senate Democrats advanced a spending package on Sunday night that fails to include crucial funding for Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare subsidies.
With the government shutdown now ongoing for 42 days, the stakes have never been higher. Millions of Americans could face skyrocketing healthcare costs if ACA subsidies are not extended, with some monthly premiums potentially doubling or tripling. “That is unacceptable,” Jeffries stated emphatically at a press conference on Monday. “It will be unaffordable for working-class Americans, middle-class Americans, and everyday Americans to see a doctor when they need one.”
The Senate’s 60-40 vote to advance the spending package signals potential passage in the coming days, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-L.A.) is urging lawmakers to return to Capitol Hill immediately, aiming for a vote as soon as Wednesday. “As House Democrats, we know we’re on the right side of this fight,” Jeffries asserted, vowing to oppose any partisan spending bill that compromises Americans’ healthcare.
The proposed spending package includes funding for SNAP and backpay for furloughed federal workers, aiming to fund most federal agencies through January 20, 2026. However, Senate Democrats who supported the bill expressed frustration, citing Republican resistance to ACA subsidy extensions. “This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce their shutdown’s hurt,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), one of the few Democrats to back the measure.
Brooklyn lawmakers remain adamantly opposed. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman criticized the Republican approach, stating, “Some Senate Democrats are relenting to Republicans’ hostage-taking on the empty promise of a ‘future vote’ on health care that has almost no chance of becoming law.” He urged Democrats to stand firm against a deal that could harm millions.
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez echoed these sentiments, saying, “A ‘deal’ that leaves millions facing higher health costs in exchange for empty promises is a betrayal.” She reaffirmed her commitment to fight for the interests of her constituents, emphasizing that Democrats must not back down.
Despite this opposition, House Republicans maintain a majority and could pass the bill even if all 213 Democrats vote against it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who opposed the package, stated, “Republicans now own this healthcare crisis.” In a pointed critique, he held them accountable for the impending healthcare fallout.
As the situation unfolds, Jeffries highlighted the need for accountability, stating, “The fight is getting ready to shift back to the House, where we’re going to work hard, hold Republicans accountable.” With the government shutdown continuing, the urgency to protect healthcare for millions is paramount, as officials prepare for a critical vote that could shape the future of American healthcare.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story develops and the implications for millions of Americans become clearer.
