The House is set to vote on reopening the government and ending the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history, which has lasted for nearly eight weeks. The Senate has already passed the government funding bill, and it's expected that the House will follow suit, sending it to President Trump's desk for his signature. Trump has hailed the bill as a "very big victory."
The shutdown, which entered its 43rd day on Wednesday, has been a point of contention between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats wanted to extend an enhanced tax credit that lowers the cost of health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, but Republicans argued that this was a separate policy issue to be addressed at a later time. The lack of agreement led to a prolonged shutdown, highlighting the stark partisan divisions within Congress.
During the debate on the House floor, Republicans accused Democrats of prioritizing politics over people's well-being, while Democrats countered that Republicans were using the shutdown to gain political leverage. The bill before the House includes a compromise that funds three annual spending bills and extends government funding through January 30, with Republicans promising a future vote to extend health care subsidies.
The compromise also includes a reversal of the Trump administration's firing of federal workers and protects them against further layoffs. It guarantees their pay once the shutdown ends and ensures the funding of key food assistance programs without interruption. Additionally, the package allocates funds for lawmaker and Supreme Court justice security.
However, the bill has faced criticism from both sides. Democrats have called for the removal of a provision that allows senators to sue federal agencies for searching their electronic records without notification, while Republicans have introduced repeal legislation regarding the FBI's investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The most contentious issue remains the fate of the expiring enhanced tax credit, which makes health insurance more affordable. Republicans argue that the credit was added during the COVID-19 pandemic and should no longer be necessary, while Democrats view its passage as a mistake, as it will lead to a significant increase in premiums for millions of Americans, with over 2 million losing health insurance coverage next year.
