A splinter group of Senate Democrats has joined forces with Republicans to advance a critical piece of legislation aimed at funding the federal government through the end of January 2026. This bipartisan effort comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding a potential government shutdown, following a period of inactivity in Congress that has drawn criticism from various factions.
The bill keeps the government at status quo funding levels, but does three notable things. These appropriations will fund important programs at both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They’ll backfill administrative operations inside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the legislative branch. The legislation fails to extend tax credits, which has turned into a huge party line dividing issue.
In a rare display of bipartisanship, all Republicans shut down the measure’s passage with the exception of Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Eight moderate members of the Democratic caucus voted for it, hinting at a crack in the party unity armor. Jim McGovern, the panel’s top Democrat, welcomed Republican members back to Washington, voicing his discontent over their absence during the recent shutdown.
Even with this great potential for collaboration ingrained in the platforms, substantial pushback came from inside the Democratic Party. Influential progressive groups have called for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s resignation, criticizing the bill as a betrayal of party values. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) delivered the most outspoken rejection of the proposal. He challenged it for not addressing key tax credit renewals, particularly with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“Because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis that already exists, that they failed to address, healthcare for people all across this country is on the brink of becoming unaffordable.” – Hakeem Jeffries
Senators who bolted the Democratic caucus are crowing about having convinced Senator John Thune. They prevailed on him to bring a vote on extending the renewable tax credits by mid-December. This progress indicates that there is still room for negotiation on potentially harmful fiscal policies that would negatively affect millions of Americans.
The House Rules Committee voted 8-4 along party lines to advance the Senate package, paving the way for a vote on the House floor scheduled for Wednesday. Republican leaders have expressed optimism about the likelihood of the legislation’s passage, anticipating it will soon reach President Trump’s desk for his signature.
In fact, Trump himself congratulated House Speaker Mike Johnson for moving the Senate bill, calling it a “very big victory.” As each party vigorously plans for the next vote the conflict continues to smolder. In doing so, Democrats are facing their own crisis of internal dissent. Progressive constituents are putting the pressure on them, making them feel betrayed by their leadership’s support of a plan they perceive as woefully insufficient.