HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS: The House of Representatives is gearing up for a crucial vote this Wednesday, November 12, focused on a funding package that could finally put an end to the historic government shutdown.
All signs point to a successful passing of this measure, which will then be forwarded to President Donald Trump. Trump has indicated his support, stating he will approve it. Over the weekend, a handful of Senate Democrats revealed they reached a deal with Republicans and the White House to address the ongoing funding crisis.
“This agreement looks promising,” Trump mentioned on Monday.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: If Representatives can avoid significant flight issues on their return to Washington, they may soon take a significant step away from the political quagmire that struck the nation for over a month, affecting countless Americans relying on government resources, food, and travel.
This unprecedented turmoil has split opinions in Washington, particularly among congressional Democrats. In a concession from the GOP, the newly forged deal aims to reverse Trump’s recent job cuts affecting thousands of federal workers made during the shutdown. However, Democrats’ proposals for an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies remained unaddressed — a demand they’ve pushed for weeks.
The current bill ensures a standalone vote on these healthcare subsidies in December, just before the credits expire at the year’s end — putting millions at risk of soaring premiums. The path forward is unclear; while some Republicans back the proposition, Speaker Mike Johnson hasn’t promised a House vote.
Dems Want Change
Democratic leaders in the House called on their fellow lawmakers to oppose the Senate’s legislative attempt to reinstate government funs, largely due to the absent support for additional healthcare funding, which raises concerns about millions potentially losing health insurance.
A majority of bipartisan Democrats have turned against temporary funding deals that keep the government afloat and are insisting on the repeal of cuts to Medicaid spending and an extension of soon-to-expire Obamacare subsidies by December 31.
Even so, eight Democrat-affiliated senators voted alongside Republicans making headway on this bill. Fortunately, a critical threshold was surpassed overnight as the House Rules Committee established procedures for the debate set for Tuesday.
OPPOSITION PROPOSALS: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, representing New York, moved to amend the deal for a three-year extension of subsidy coverage; sadly, the idea didn’t gain sufficient support.
In a message urging a “no” vote, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts highlighted the situation confronting Americans, stating, “This isn’t inevitable. It’s a choice,” while reminding her colleagues continuous alternatives have been put forth.
-Written by Bart Jansen
POLL SAYS: KEEP STAND GARDE
A recent survey shows that 41% of Americans believe Democrats shouldn’t agree to fund the government without enacting the sought-after health care reforms.
This finding aligns with a The Economist/YouGov national poll surveyed on November 11, highlighting dissent as some Democratic senators sided with Republicans on the reopening legislation. While the House is preparing to vote today, many are raising concerns about the absence of healthcare subsidies about to expire soon.
Democrats have long pushed to provide renewal of typically Affordable Care Act premiums in the government funding efforts, with several vocal representatives branding this compromise deal as inadequate.
The poll also indicates that blame for the shutdown lands more heavily on Republicans (36%) than Democrats (34%), with 24% attributing fault to them both equally.
-Reported by Zac Anderson
HOUSE VOTE ITINERARY
The House is set to convene at 12:00 PM for the first official proceedings since the shutdown began on October 1, with formal debate on the legislation expected to kickoff by 4 PM.
As described by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Louisiana, the first vote could occur around 5:10 PM, with all voting potentially wrapped up by 7:15 PM.
The initial proceedings focus on discussion rules of the bill. This proposed legislation looks to open governmental offices until January 30 and ensure back pay for federal employees impacted by the halt.
Nevertheless, many Democrats stand resolutely against the bill for failing to guarantee anticipated ACA subsidies poised for expiration by the year’s close.
Republican leaders median carry-on response may streamline later negotiation of sufficient subsidy extensions post-shutdown, with the Senate’s concept for forthcoming bills expected for review after the second week in December.
-Reported by Bart Jansen
CALL FOR ACTION
During a Tuesday news conference in Chicago, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stressed urgency in encouraging the House to reciprocate Senate’s actions and end the government closure
Duffy expressed dire consequences on the aviation sector if the House does not act. He specifically mentioned that some airlines might have to ground their planes.
“An inaction from the House might lead to more than 10% disruption — potentially forcing airlines to halt flights entirely,” he warned during the gathering at O’Hare International Airport.
“If the House cannot pass this bill, expect an escalation in the issues arising on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday,’ Duffy remarked further on potential impending issues Semiticeps followed by the bleak outlook.
LAST-MINUTE TRAVEL SOLUTIONS
In light of impacting flight schedules, one Republican representative decided to ride his motorcycle approximately 950 miles back to Capitol Hill instead of risking cancellation at the airport.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden set off from his native Wisconsin on Monday night, facing the challenging 15-hour trek in freezing weather.
“You might be curious, Derrick, why are you out on a Harley Davidson with temperatures around 32 degrees?” he joked, sharing his situation during a Live-feed on social media. “Because the government shut down — particularly due to the Democrats — makes flying seems unreliable.”
Moreover, Reps. Rick Crawford from Arkansas and Trent Kelly from Mississippi chose to carpool back to Washington.
This article was originally published by USA TODAY: Countdown to House Vote: Ending the Government Shutdown.
