Key Takeaways:
- Shutdown Breakthrough: After 40 days of stalemate, Senate Democrats announced they have the votes to reopen the government through a short term funding resolution lasting until January 30.
- Bipartisan Deal: The agreement, led by Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Angus King, funds critical areas like defense, veterans affairs, and agriculture while promising Democrats a symbolic future vote on Obamacare subsidies.
- Trump’s Fiscal Focus: The White House has pushed for a clean, responsible funding bill without partisan add-ons, keeping the focus on reopening the government while protecting taxpayers and maintaining fiscal discipline.
After 40 long days, the Senate finally appears ready to get Washington back to work. Democrats announced late Sunday that they have enough votes to reopen the federal government, ending the record shutdown that has strained workers, families, and the economy.
A bipartisan group led by Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Angus King brokered the deal, which includes a short term funding resolution through January 30 and a package covering military construction, veterans affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and the legislative branch. The deal gives Democrats a symbolic promise from Senate Majority Leader John Thune for a future vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, but no actual guarantees.
“Part of the deal is a vote on the ACA subsidies,” King said, adding that Democrats agreed to the plan because “the length of the shutdown” had gone on too long.
While moderates cheered the compromise, several progressive Democrats blasted it for failing to secure concrete health care concessions. “A wink and a nod to deal with this health care crisis later – with no actual guarantees – is just not enough,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin.
The bill still needs to clear the House before heading to President Trump’s desk. The administration has pushed for a clean funding bill, rejecting attempts to attach costly subsidies and partisan riders.
After weeks of political brinkmanship, it appears cooler heads are prevailing. Trump has made it clear: reopen government, protect taxpayers, and keep fighting for an America that lives within its means.