The U.S. government sees glimmer of hope as shutdown nears end, but deep divisions within the Democratic Party over "compromise bill"

BlockBeats News, November 10th. On Sunday evening local time, the U.S. Senate passed a procedural motion. Under the agreement, Congress would provide full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Congress itself, while providing funding for other agencies until January 30th. Prior to the vote, eight key Senate moderate Democrats reached an agreement with the Senate Republican leader and the White House to condition their vote on future consideration of extending the Affordable Care Act subsidy program, in order to facilitate the government reopening.

However, this "compromise deal" has sparked deep divisions within the Democratic Party. Senate Minority Leader Schumer opposed the deal. Senator Warren of Massachusetts stated, "I think this is a huge mistake. The American people want us to fight for healthcare." House Minority Leader Jeffries issued a statement criticizing the agreement before the Senate vote, saying, "We will not support any Senate Republican appropriations bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. We will fight this Republican bill in the House." Democratic Representative Cazares of Texas called the agreement a "betrayal" and a "surrender" because it did not lower healthcare costs.

However, moderate Democrats defended their vote, believing it was the best deal they could make. Senator Kaine, who voted in favor, argued that this would allow Democrats to advance important healthcare issues to a vote. (Jin10)