UPDATE: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has just defended his controversial vote supporting a GOP-backed agreement to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, amid fierce backlash from his party. Speaking on the Senate floor earlier today, Durbin expressed his commitment to reopening the government, emphasizing the urgent impact on federal workers and their families.
The vote, which took place last night, was part of a deal that will keep the federal government operational until January 30, 2024. Under the proposed agreement, critical programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Women, Infants, and Children Program will receive funding, though it falls short of securing health care subsidy extensions sought by many Democrats.
Durbin, who is Illinois’ senior senator, stated, “I share my friends’ concerns about the Trump administration, but I cannot support a strategy that holds my neighbors’ paychecks hostage.” The senator’s remarks come on the 41st day of the shutdown, which has halted paychecks for thousands of federal employees, causing significant hardship across the nation.
This decision has sparked outrage among progressive Democrats. Senator Tammy Duckworth, who opposed the deal, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who labeled it as “an empty promise,” are among those voicing their discontent. Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, criticized the GOP for increasing health care costs for middle-class families.
The bipartisan agreement was reached after Durbin met with Senate Republican Leader John Thune, who assured him of support for a Senate vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies by mid-December. However, with the GOP-led House still to weigh in, uncertainty looms over the future of health care protections.
“It’s time to fight for working families, not play politics with their lives,” stated Juliana Stratton, Illinois’ lieutenant governor and a Democratic candidate for the Senate seat. Other candidates, including U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, echoed her sentiments, denouncing the deal and calling for stronger opposition to Republican policies.
Durbin’s decision to break ranks with the Democratic party mirrors his previous actions, having faced criticism earlier this year for supporting a Republican-led plan to avert a government shutdown. His willingness to collaborate with Republicans has resulted in increased scrutiny from party activists, who are now calling for leadership changes within the Democratic ranks.
As the fallout continues, the Senate’s 60-40 vote in favor of the agreement has intensified pressure on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who voted against the deal but is accused of facilitating the negotiations.
As the government reopens, the immediate focus shifts to the welfare of the federal workers and families affected by the prolonged shutdown. With many food pantries overwhelmed and struggling to meet the needs of those impacted, the urgency for a comprehensive solution remains paramount.
The next steps are critical, as all eyes are on whether the House will follow suit and how Democrats will navigate the repercussions of this contentious deal. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
