As I write this blog, the U.S. Senate is actually in session, arguing for and against a deal that will end the record 39-day federal government shutdown. This shutdown has led to a suspension of SNAP (food stamp) benefits, canceled flights across the country, federal layoffs and payless paydays for numerous government employees. Though Republicans have a majority in both the House and Senate, they have been unable to prevent a shutdown because Senate rules require 60 votes to end the debate.
The key sticking point for Democrats has been Republican refusal to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act for one more year.
Under the deal, the government will be funded through the end of January. Senate Republicans have promised a vote on the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies during the second week of December. There is no guarantee that the vote will pass or that the House will bring the matter to a vote.
Seven Democrats and one Independent support the legislation to end the shutdown. They are Dick Durbin (Ill), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), John Fetterman (Pa), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev), Maggie Hassan (NH), Tim Kaine (Va), Jacky Rosen (Nev) and Angus King (Me).
Although voters appear to have held Republicans responsible for this shutdown, the truth is that Democrats have been happy to cut off our noses to spite our faces over health care subsidies. that were set to expire at the end of this year. As consequential as this will be for many Americans, it is less painful than it is to starve children.
Enough is enough already.
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