Nevada Senators Vote to End Government Shutdown
The Senate took an initial step on Sunday to end the government shutdown when a group of moderate Democrats, including Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada, agreed to proceed with the legislation.
Controversial Decision Within the Democratic Caucus
Rosen and Cortez Masto supported moving forward without a guaranteed extension of Affordable Care Act health care subsidies, causing frustration among many Democrats who wanted to continue opposing the measure.
Senate Vote Details
- The Senate voted 60-40 on a test motion to advance compromise legislation to fund the government.
- This vote was the first step in a series of procedural actions necessary before a final vote on extending ACA tax credits set to expire in January.
- The final approval could take several days if Democrats raise objections and delay the bill.
Disagreement Among Senate Democrats
The agreement does not guarantee that the ACA subsidies will be extended, a key demand from Democrats during nearly six weeks of negotiations.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) opposed moving forward with the package, joining most Democrats except for eight who supported it.
Contrasting Positions of Nevada Senators
Although Cortez Masto had consistently voted for the Republican-backed plan to end the shutdown, the Nevada senators had previously differed, with Rosen emphasizing that she was sent to Washington to resist Republican pressure.
Rosen said Nevadans did not send her to “cave” to Republicans.
Impact of the Prolonged Shutdown
The longest shutdown in U.S. history had grown too costly to sustain, prompting bipartisan moves toward resolution.
Author's summary: Nevada senators Rosen and Cortez Masto’s vote to advance shutdown-ending legislation without guaranteed ACA subsidy extensions highlighted divisions within the Democratic caucus amid a historic government closure.