Congressional Divisions on Government Shutdown Agreement
An agreement has been initiated to conclude the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. This deal has prompted varied reactions and internal divisions within the Democratic Party.
Congressional Vote and Initial Reactions
Eight senators who caucus with Democrats voted in favor of the deal to reopen the government. This action garnered criticism from several prominent Democrats. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts described the move as a "terrible mistake," while Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut called it "indefensible." Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent caucusing with Democrats, characterized the deal as a "policy and political disaster." Beyond these specific statements, broader negative reactions were observed on social media from individuals identifying as left-of-center.
Strategic Considerations for Democrats
Analysis indicates that affordability was a central issue in previous off-year elections, leading to Democratic victories. If this trend continues, it could influence future electoral outcomes for Democrats. Additionally, a promised vote in December regarding health care subsidy extensions, part of the shutdown deal, could, if opposed by Republicans, lead to increased health care costs that may be attributed to the Republican Party.
Some Democrats suggested that their party could be perceived as acting responsibly by acknowledging the difficulties faced by citizens due to the shutdown, particularly concerning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and federal worker furloughs and layoffs. This perspective contrasts with the Trump administration's approach at the time.
However, a primary challenge for Democrats involves maintaining the engagement of progressive voters, many of whom viewed the deal as a sign of weakness from the party.
Internal Party Dynamics and Leadership
The Democratic Party faced a difficult position in the shutdown negotiations. Republicans maintained their stance, anticipating that a sufficient number of Democrats would be unwilling to tolerate the impact on millions of people affected by benefit losses and federal worker issues. This assessment proved accurate.
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia stated that while most Democrats had supported the party's strategy, "after 40 days, it wasn't going to work." He, along with seven other senators, voted to end the shutdown, citing commitments to a vote on health care subsidies and protections for federal workers and SNAP benefits as sufficient justification. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) commented that "not much of anything has been accomplished for the last 40 days except a lot of chaos and a lot of upheaval." Senator Angus King (I-Maine), also caucusing with Democrats, stated, "It wasn't working. It's been six weeks. Republicans made it clear they weren't going to discuss the health care issue, Affordable Care Act tax credits, until the shutdown was over." Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire added that further delay would "only mean more harm for families." In contrast, Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan expressed a different view, stating that any agreement to reopen the government "has got to do something concrete on health care," which she found difficult to see as achieved.
Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, also voted against the deal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced skepticism regarding the Trump administration's intentions concerning federal workers and the Republican Party's actions on health care, citing past attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Jeffries emphasized the need to address the "Republican health care crisis." Schumer had previously faced criticism for ending a shutdown fight in March.
Evolving Political Landscape
Observations indicate a shift within the Democratic Party. In April 2017, a poll revealed that 60% of Democrats favored compromise with the Trump administration. By March of the current year, during another shutdown threat, two-thirds of Democrats believed congressional Democrats should adhere to their positions, even if it meant legislative inaction.
Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo, a progressive commentator, described the deal as "embarrassing" but also noted a changing dynamic within the Democratic caucus, suggesting that voters should continue to demand more and exert pressure. He also highlighted that another funding deadline is anticipated at the end of January, presenting another opportunity for leverage.
Looking ahead, primaries are expected to feature shutdown positioning as a key issue, potentially influencing future elections up to 2028. Democratic officials are reportedly relying on the public's short-term memory regarding the specific details of the deal, anticipating that the broader issue landscape will contribute to electoral success in the coming year.