Senator Dick Durbin Faces Criticism for Supporting GOP Shutdown Measure
Senator Dick Durbin has drawn criticism, including from three candidates seeking his seat and Lt. Juliana Stratton, for voting to advance a Republican-led House bill aimed at ending the government shutdown. The criticism centers on the bill not including an extension of health care subsidies, which Democrats insist must be part of any resolution.
Details of the Vote and Bill
Durbin was among moderate Democrats who supported the bill in a 60-40 Senate vote. The measure would fund the government and delay a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire in January. It also proposes to reverse mass firings of federal workers that began on October 1, with affected employees receiving back pay.
The Senate could vote on the final measure as soon as Monday evening.
Durbin's Statement
"The bill is not perfect, but it helps to minimize the hurt of the 40-day and counting shutdown."
Durbin highlighted air-traffic controllers working long hours and criticized President Donald Trump’s efforts to halt SNAP benefit payments.
Party Divisions Over the Bill
The vote underscored a split within the Democratic Party on resolving health care subsidies and ending the shutdown. Key leaders including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the bipartisan deal. Progressive senators have also voiced strong objections.
“To my mind, this was a very, very bad vote,” said Vermont Senator.
Democrats argue the healthcare subsidy extension is critical to any compromise with Republicans, and the disagreement highlights ongoing tensions in strategy and priorities within the party.
Author’s summary: Senator Durbin's vote with Republicans to advance a shutdown-ending bill sparks backlash from Democrats over excluded healthcare subsidies, reflecting deep party divisions.
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