The Senate just soundly rejected a Republican plan to reduce the odds of a government shutdown with a midnight deadline drawing near. The continuing resolution included a proposal to keep federal spending at FY19 levels through November 21. It passed largely bipartisan measures to increase security for members of Congress, judges and Supreme Court justices. All but one Democrat voted against the plan. Rather than accept their defeat graciously, they rallied behind their own continuing resolution to fund the government through the end of October.
The Republican plan was filed after increased security concerns were raised nationally after the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The law intended to increase security precautions for executive branch officials and other judicial actors. Even with these drastic measures, the Democrats remained resolute in their opposition, warning against insufficient funding for services Michigan residents rely on.
On Friday, responding to the Republican plan, the Democrats released their own proposal to keep the government funded through October. This proposal would have additionally restored Medicaid cuts made during former President Donald Trump’s administration. We support this bipartisan proposal to continue providing robust healthcare subsidies. These subsidies will allow low- and middle-income Americans to pay for health insurance premiums when they buy through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The very different priorities across the two parties highlight just how far apart they are on what good governance looks like. While Republicans focused on immediate security enhancements, Democrats emphasized the need for broader healthcare reforms and continued support for vulnerable populations.
As the clock ticked down towards the September 30th deadline, the political landscape looked more and more hostile. In the absence of a consensus, the risk of a government shutdown loomed larger. Everyone from those concerned about potential changes to federal service delivery, to advocates, to federal employees.