Washington: After more than a month of gridlock, a potential breakthrough has emerged on Capitol Hill as a group of moderate Democrats and Independents reached a tentative agreement that could reopen the US government. The deal, if finalized, would restore funding for key federal agencies and set up a December vote on extending expiring health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). (US shutdown)
The proposal, spearheaded by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine, outlines a plan to pass three long-delayed annual spending bills and temporarily fund the remainder of the government through late January. According to individuals familiar with the discussions, the agreement hinges on Republicans agreeing to a formal vote on ACA tax credits before the end of the year.
While the framework has raised hopes of an end to the 40-day shutdown, it remains uncertain whether Republican leadership will sign off — or whether enough Democrats will support the deal without an immediate guarantee on health care funding. Senate Democrats met Sunday evening to deliberate on the proposal.
The shutdown, now stretching into its sixth week, has caused widespread disruptions — grounding flights, delaying food aid, and leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged progress, saying discussions were “coming together,” though he stopped short of formally endorsing the plan. “We’ll see where the votes are,” he told reporters.
Democratic divisions have also surfaced. While moderates push for compromise to reopen the government, progressives are warning against what they see as a premature concession. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont cautioned colleagues not to “cave in to Trump,” arguing that any resolution must include a firm commitment to protect health care subsidies that millions rely on. (US shutdown)
Currently, Democrats have blocked 14 GOP attempts to reopen the government, insisting on the inclusion of ACA tax credit extensions in any funding measure. The enhanced subsidies are set to expire January 1, potentially doubling premiums for many Americans who purchase health insurance through federal exchanges.
Under the emerging framework, the deal would fund agencies responsible for food assistance, veterans’ benefits, and congressional operations while temporarily extending broader government funding. It also reportedly includes provisions to reverse some of the mass dismissals of federal workers that have taken place since the shutdown began on October 1.
Still, the proposal has faced backlash from within the Democratic ranks. Representative Greg Casar of Texas, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, dismissed the plan as a “betrayal,” writing on X that “accepting a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise — it’s capitulation.” Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota echoed the sentiment, saying, “If people believe this is a deal, I have a bridge to sell you.”
Senator Shaheen, defending the talks, said the effort represents “another path forward” after Republican leaders rejected Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s earlier offer to pair government funding with a one-year extension of health care subsidies.
Even if the Senate advances the measure, procedural hurdles could delay final passage for several days. Lawmakers are expected to hold a preliminary vote as early as Sunday night to begin formal debate on the legislation.
With mounting public pressure and economic costs piling up, both parties are under growing strain to strike a compromise. Whether this tentative deal can bridge the political divide and reopen the government — or spark another round of partisan deadlock — will become clear in the coming days.
