A group of Democrats, joined by one Democratic-aligned independent, played a pivotal role in securing an agreement to end the government shutdown. They stated that the deal was reached after negotiating a vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies, which had been at the center of the political standoff.
“Republicans’ flat refusal to move on Democrats’ earlier proposals made clear that this is the best possible offer we could secure.”
Among those supporting the compromise, four are former governors of their states, and none face reelection in next year’s midterms. Senator Dick Durbin, a senior figure in Democratic leadership who plans to retire at the end of his term, broke ranks with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who opposed the agreement.
“This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce the shutdown’s harm,”
Durbin emphasized the consequences of the government closure and its toll on federal employees and the public.
“For 40 days—the longest shutdown in U.S. history—federal workers went without paychecks. This includes our air traffic controllers, whose towers were already understaffed. They continued to work 10-hour days, six days per week, to keep our airspace safe, with this additional stress at a life-saving job.”
Independent Senator Angus King, recently reelected for a third term in 2024, also supported the accord.
The deal to end the record-long government shutdown emerged from bipartisan negotiation, with moderate Democrats and one independent prioritizing relief for workers over political divides.