Government Shutdown: What's Next?

After a long break, lawmakers are back in Washington to tackle the ongoing government shutdown. The House is set to vote on a bill that the Senate passed earlier. This bill aims to reopen the government, which has been closed for nearly eight weeks. President Trump has called this a big win.

Concerns and Optimism

There are concerns about travel delays affecting the vote, but Speaker Mike Johnson is optimistic. He apologized for the delay but said Republicans did their part earlier. Democrats, however, criticize Republicans for going on vacation while federal workers went without pay.

Democratic Opposition

Most Democrats plan to vote against the bill because it doesn't extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. These credits help make health coverage more affordable. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries expects strong opposition from his party.

The Senate Bill

The Senate bill is a compromise. It includes funding for three spending bills and extends government funding until late January. Republicans promised a vote on health care subsidies by mid-December, but success is not guaranteed.

Key Provisions

The bill also reverses the firing of federal workers and protects them from further layoffs. It ensures they will be paid once the shutdown ends. Additionally, it funds food assistance programs and boosts security for lawmakers and Supreme Court justices.

Democratic Criticism

Democrats are using the bill to criticize Republicans. They plan to highlight the health care issue and the bill's provisions. Republican Tom Cole argues that Democrats are being hypocritical about the tax credits.

Republican Divisions

Many Democrats see the bill as a mistake. They believe it doesn't address the health care crisis. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders calls giving up the fight a "horrific mistake."

Future of Health Care Debate

The future of health care debate is unclear. Republicans are divided on extending COVID-19 tax credits. Some want new limits on who can receive the subsidies. Senator Susan Collins supports extending the credits with changes, like income caps.

Other Republicans, including Trump, want to scrap or overhaul the health law. The Senate voted along party lines not to extend the subsidies for a year. This vote was part of a deal to speed up a final vote.