Senate Moves to End Shutdown, But Health Care Fight Looms

The Senate is on the verge of passing a deal that could finally put an end to the government shutdown that began in October. This agreement would keep the government running until the end of January. However, the path to this deal has not been without its challenges, as Democrats had to make significant compromises.

The Sticking Point: ACA Tax Credits

The primary obstacle has been the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Democrats had pushed for their extension, but this deal does not include that provision. Instead, there is a promise for a vote on the issue in December. Over 20 million Americans depend on these credits to make their health insurance more affordable.

Why Democrats Are Supporting the Deal

Despite the absence of the ACA tax credits, at least eight Democratic senators are backing the deal, ensuring it has enough votes to pass. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia is among them. He describes the deal as a step toward resolving the healthcare crisis and safeguarding federal workers.

Key Players and Negotiations

The deal was brokered by Majority Leader John Thune, the White House, and a few Democratic senators. The Senate had been deadlocked for weeks, with Republicans insisting on a short-term funding bill without addressing the ACA tax credits. Democrats, however, refused to budge without the extension of these subsidies.

Provisions of the Deal

• Federal Worker Protections: All layoffs during the shutdown would be reversed, and no forced layoffs would occur until the end of fiscal year 2026. Federal workers would also receive their normal pay, even if they were unable to work during the shutdown.
• SNAP Program Funding: The deal includes funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports 42 million Americans, through September.
• Bipartisan Budget Process: The agreement establishes a bipartisan budget process to prevent future shutdowns.

A Temporary Fix

While this deal represents progress, it is only a temporary solution. The battle over healthcare is far from over, and much work remains. The deal still needs to pass the House and be signed into law before the shutdown officially ends. Although this is a step in the right direction, it is not the final resolution.