The U.S. Senate has successfully passed a compromise continuing resolution that will reopen the federal government, securing 60 votes in favor of the measure. This time, it was seven Democrats and one independent joining with Republicans in a bipartisan effort. Collectively, they forced the passage of a clean continuing resolution that will fund the federal government through January 30, 2026. The bill comes in the wake of an unprecedented bipartisan shutdown. This shutdown mostly focuses on fights over continuing the improved Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits.
As important as these provisions are, the bill goes further to protect the 400,000 federal workers impacted by the shutdown. It stops the drive mass firings started by the Trump administration and makes whole those who were fired during this drive. It ensures that workers who were unlawfully terminated receive back pay. These measures, some shown to be more effective than others, are meant to soften the blow of the shutdown on federal employees.
Even Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, was worried that too many of his colleagues had gone off the reservation on the party’s negotiating position. In his remarks, he stressed the need to continue pursuing solutions to our country’s healthcare funding crisis.
“However this vote turns out, this fight will and must continue,” – Chuck Schumer.
The Democratic caucus is understandably focusing a lot of its anger on those defectors who supported the compromise. This reflects a deep divide inside the party over how best to proceed in their ongoing negotiations. Those dissenting voices, like that of Rand Paul—the sole Republican to vote against the bill—can be forgiven for sounding out of place. Moderates Democrats such as Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Tim Kaine continue to cheerlead behind the scenes for a pragmatic approach to governance. Their commitment is particularly notable in the face of mounting demands from many sides.
Many Democrats see this marked compromise as an important step in reopening the government. Some people are attacking it for ceding significant leverage to make enhanced ACA tax credits permanent.
“This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce the shutdown’s hurt,” – Dick Durbin.
Senator Angus King (I-ME) expressed his discontent with the negotiations around the ACA. He emphasized the need for real solutions while noting that too many Americans continue to fight for basic needs.
“The question was … is a solution on the ACA becoming any more likely? It appears not … In the meantime, a lot of people are being hurt,” – Angus King.
Senator Tim Kaine praised the importance of the bill for defending federal employees from improper firing. He made it clear why these protections were so important. Millions were in crisis before the shutdown even began.
“This legislation will protect federal workers from baseless firings, reinstate those who have been wrongfully terminated during the shutdown, and ensure federal workers receive back pay,” – Tim Kaine.
Yet the compromise bill shines an unfortunate light on the rapidly approaching electoral clock for five GOP senators. With Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin retiring after their current terms, and Maggie Hassan and Jacky Rosen facing re-election battles in 2028 and 2030 respectively, there is pressure on these legislators to navigate their positions carefully amidst growing partisan divides.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto stated, when she was pushing for leadership to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits. She recognized the urgent needs of people impacted by the shutdown.
“We must extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, but that can’t come at the expense of the millions of Americans … [affected] by a shutdown,” – Catherine Cortez Masto.
As legislators head back to home constituencies, they are under even more intense scrutiny for the choices they made in this unprecedented crisis. This bill’s passage represents a paradigm change in the short, choppy waters of American governance. It raises critical questions about how we approach prioritizing direct negotiations over healthcare funding and other pressing issues in the future.