House Democrats Oppose GOP Shutdown Deal Amid Healthcare Concerns

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced on Monday that House Democrats will oppose a Republican-led proposal aimed at temporarily reopening the government. This declaration came as the government shutdown entered its 42nd day, with significant implications for healthcare subsidies.

A group of Senate Democrats voted on Sunday night to advance a spending package designed to fund the federal government until at least January 20, 2026. However, this proposal lacks a critical Democratic demand—the extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If these subsidies expire, millions of Americans could face drastically increased healthcare costs, with premiums potentially doubling or tripling. “That is unacceptable,” Jeffries emphasized during a press conference. “It will be unaffordable for working-class Americans, middle-class Americans, and everyday Americans to go see a doctor when they need one.”

The Senate’s 60-40 vote indicates sufficient support for the measure to pass in the coming days, setting the stage for a vote in the House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-L.A.) called for members to return to Capitol Hill immediately, with hopes to schedule a vote as early as Wednesday.

Jeffries affirmed that House Democrats are aligned with the needs of the American public. “As House Democrats, we know we’re on the right side of this fight,” he stated. “We’re not going to support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people. We’re going to continue to fight to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.”

Included in the spending package are provisions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and backpay for furloughed federal workers. Senate Democrats who supported the bill justified their decision by arguing that it would provide necessary relief to constituents affected by the shutdown. In a reported agreement, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has committed to holding a vote on ACA subsidies in December.

Despite this compromise, lawmakers from Brooklyn expressed strong opposition. U.S. Representative Dan Goldman, who represents parts of Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, criticized the Senate Democrats who supported the bill. He stated that Republicans “refuse to work out a bipartisan deal to get the bipartisan vote necessary to pass the budget.” Goldman emphasized the need for Democrats to stand firm against what he termed “the Republicans’ healthcare crisis.”

Similarly, U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez, whose district encompasses parts of Brooklyn and Queens, echoed Goldman’s sentiments. “A ‘deal’ that leaves millions facing higher health costs in exchange for empty promises is a betrayal,” she asserted on X. “Americans are counting on Democrats to stand up for them, not give in.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who opposed the package, also criticized the agreement, stating that “Republicans now own this healthcare crisis.” He pointed out that they had been aware of the impending issues and had chosen not to address them. Schumer remarked that the burden now rests on Republicans to rectify the situation.

As the debate shifts back to the House, Jeffries noted he has not engaged with the Senate Democrats who backed the spending bill. He believes they will need to justify their decisions to their constituents. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his commitment to holding Republicans accountable in the ongoing discussions. “The fight is getting ready to shift back to the House, where we’re going to work hard,” he stated.

The outcome of this legislative battle remains pivotal for millions relying on affordable healthcare, as both parties navigate the complexities of government funding and healthcare policy amid a prolonged shutdown.