WASHINGTON — After a bitter political standoff between Republicans and Democrats; Longest federal government shutdown in U.S. historythe House of Representatives approved the following bill Wednesday night: end it shutdown and sent Actions against President Donald Trump for your signature. The paralysis caused widespread chaos across the country, leaving thousands of federal workers without pay, delays at airports, and problems distributing food to families in need.
Voting on this day was 222 votes in favor and 209 votes against. Shortly after eight Democratic senators broke their party’s blockade and joined Republicans in allowing the spending package to move forward, 43 of the government agencies were shut down.which caused a strong reaction in their ranks.
The vote was held for the first time in about two months, as the House of Representatives had been in an extended recess. shutdown. After the Senate approved the bill on a 60-40 vote, lawmakers returned to Washington after an almost eight-week absence. President Trump called the bill a “huge victory.”
White House Press Secretary caroline leavittPresident Trump announced that he would sign the federal government reopening bill at 9:45 p.m. (11:45 p.m. local time, Argentina), he is scheduled to deliver a message to his country from the Oval Office.
In the House, six Democrats and Republicans approved the bill, but two pro-government members voted against it.
Democratic Party’s efforts to restart debate About medical insurance subsidies The Axis effort to block debate failed, and the Senate voted to adjourn the session with eight members voting and one Republican dissenting.
republican party They limited themselves to promising another debate., In the short term, help millions of Americans pay for their health insurance premiums..
The House Rules Committee announced Wednesday that it had approved the government reopening bill by an 8-4 vote. This indicated that final approval was likely to occur in the plenary session, followed by President Trump’s signature, as will occur tonight.
“We believe this will be accomplished,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson optimistically predicted before the debate. “After 40 days of uncertainty, and causing unnecessary suffering to the American people.some Democratic senators are finally coming forward to end this suffering,” he added.
Asked if he would guarantee a vote on extending the subsidy, Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare) It expires this year, but Johnson said “Republicans will demand a lot of reform before anything like this is possible.”
“History reminds us that government shutdowns do not change outcomes, only the costs Americans pay,” said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
The House of Representatives had not been in session since September 19 last year. When it approved emergency measures to keep the government running at the beginning of the new fiscal year. Prime Minister Johnson sent members home, saying House Republicans had done their duty and shifting responsibility to the Senate.
Democrats took the opportunity to accuse Republicans of being on vacation. Federal workers were not paid, while travelers faced delays at airports and food aid was scarce. Johnson said lawmakers are doing important work in their districts, helping constituents cope with the shutdown.
A majority of Democratic lawmakers voted against the bill. Because it did not include an extension of the Obamacare tax credits. The program expires at the end of the year, giving millions of people better access to health insurance.
“We cannot support Republican attempts to dismantle our nation.” doctor’s examination of the American people,” the Democratic minority leader said. Hakeem Jeffriesfrom New York.
Monday’s vote in the Senate was supported by eight Democrats who distanced themselves from their co-religionists after coming to the conclusion that: Republicans will not give in to public funding To fund an extension of the health care tax credit. Meanwhile, the effects of the government shutdown grew day by day.
obamacare, Health care reforms approved during the president’s tenure barack obamawas the first attempt to introduce universal health insurance nationwide. The report It survived thanks to tax credits approved by Democrats. Former president faced with pandemic crisis joe biden Extended and expanded subsidies in 2022 to help millions of Americans pay their premiums.
The aid expires at the end of the year, meaning premiums could rise significantly. Republicans argue that these subsidies should only help the least protected classes and should not be expanded indiscriminately.
The agreement funds three annual spending bills, with remaining funding extended through Jan. 30. They promised to vote on extending health care subsidies in mid-December.However, there is no guarantee of success.
Cole argued that Democrats: Be hypocritical by blaming them for the expiration of tax credits. For health insurance. “It’s a subsidy on top of a subsidy. A friend of ours added it during the pandemic.”, Said. “The pandemic is over. They set a specific date for the subsidy to end. They chose that date,” he added.
In the debate over the government shutdown, Republicans also accused Democrats of wanting to benefit millions of people. illegal immigration With those subsidies.
As a result of the investigation, A majority of the public blamed Trump and the Republican Party for the shutdown. Because they control the White House and both houses of Congress. But despite growing public outrage, parliamentary unity remained largely unbroken.
Tensions were even higher among some Democratic members of Congress. Just a week ago, Democrats were celebrating a series of electoral victories, including victories in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as the upcoming New York mayoral race.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy He said the fight for grants should not have been abandoned. And they pointed out that voters who overwhelmingly supported them in last week’s election urged them to: “Please stay strong.”
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