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U.S. Sen. Katie Britt said a plan to end the record-long government shutdown is an important breakthrough. Eight Democratic senators joined the Republican majority in an initial step to end the stalemate, which has worsening consequences, including the loss of SNAP food assistance and cancellations of airline flights. “Tonight I voted again to reopen the government—this 40 day shutdown is finally nearing an end,“ Britt posted on X on Sunday night. “(Senate Republicans) provided a path forward to keep our skies safe, fund WIC and SNAP, take care of our veterans, and more. We’ll continue to work hard this week to get this over the finish line and ensure that we put the American people over partisan politics.” The legislation to reopen the government, in addition to funding SNAP and other programs, will ensure backpay for furloughed workers, the Associated Press reported. Democrats have held out for a commitment to extend subsidies that help many families afford health insurance coverage. The agreement would postpone a Congressional decision on the subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. As as 130,000 Alabamians could lose health insurance without the subsidies. Because of that, many Democratic lawmakers oppose the resolution to end the shutdown. “This so-called ‘deal’ is nothing more than empty promises,” Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, posted on X. “I am a HELL NO on any bill that raises health care costs for millions of Americans.” On Sunday, the Senate voted 60-40 to move toward passing compromise legislation to fund the government and hold a later vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits, the AP reported. The eight Democrats who voted with the Republicans were Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D- Nev.; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; John Fetterman, D-Penn.; Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.; Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Angus King, D-Me.; Jacky Rosen, D-Nev; and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against the plan because it failed to fully address the health care funds. Final passage could be several days away if Democrats object and delay the process.
