The Senate is preparing for a potential vote as early as Sunday afternoon on a Republican spending bill aimed at ending the government shutdown and funding government operations for the remainder of the fiscal year. The bill, which funds several key departments including the Agriculture and Veterans Affairs departments, does not include provisions for renewing Obamacare subsidies. To pass the measure, the Senate needs 60 votes, with Democrats possibly breaking party lines to secure the necessary support. However, some Democratic senators are concerned about the lack of healthcare provisions, leading to internal divisions within the party.
Progressives within the Democratic Party are expressing frustration over the lack of healthcare provisions in the spending bill, as they had hoped for renewed subsidies for Obamacare. The bill’s exclusion of healthcare funding has sparked internal conflict, with some Democrats considering breaking with their party to pass the measure. This potential breakaway could lead to significant divisions within the Senate, as the Democratic caucus is split between those advocating for immediate action to end the shutdown and those holding out for healthcare-related provisions.
Additionally, the House of Representatives remains on notice to return to session within 48 hours, adding urgency to the situation. The House’s response to the Senate’s spending bill is still unclear, although most Republicans are expected to support the measure. The potential for a House vote to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., before or after the vote could also influence the chamber’s decision-making. The political dynamics within both chambers are set to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the shutdown crisis.