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After 40 days of a government shutdown, the Senate finally advanced a short-term funding bill on Sunday. Eight Democratic Caucus members broke the standstill, voting “yes” on a procedural vote, which passed 60-40 – a move that sparked heavy backlash from colleagues and the public alike.

A majority in favor of a procedural vote allows the bill to be discussed further and sent to a final vote, ultimately deciding its fate.

Democrats initially blocked funding plans in hopes of renewing Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are necessary to keep premiums low and ensure Americans can hold on to their healthcare. In 2023, more than 15 million Americans relied on these enhanced tax credits. Without renewal, up to 4 million people could become uninsured.

Acting as though ending the shutdown will provide relief to Americans is not only naive, but also gives Republicans the green light to continue tearing apart our social services.

Democrats had a clear path to both the renewal of ACA tax credits and the reopening of the government, and held enough leverage to effectively make that happen. But they caved: Having received constant blame for the shutdown and feeling uncertain about how to handle the GOP, our representatives opted to give up rather than fight.

The bill does provide assurance to Democratic lawmakers, guaranteeing there will be a vote held in December on a healthcare bill. But with the Republican trifecta, it’s unlikely there will even be a vote, much less one that passes.

If these tax credits expire, premiums would double, and millions would lose their healthcare. Additionally, more than 300,000 jobs could be lost by 2026, as healthcare becomes increasingly expensive, slowing revenue for providers and leading to healthcare workers losing their jobs.

Nearly 2 million New Yorkers rely on the NY Essential Plan and ACA health plans. NY Essential users depend on ACA subsidies as well – if these tax credits don’t renew, millions in New York and across the country will be sent spiraling into debt.

Republicans and Democrats are aware of the impact losing these tax credits will have on Americans, and Republicans have made their stance on healthcare crystal clear with their support of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The Democrats, however, don’t seem to know where they stand and are willing to trust the word of the party responsible for cutting more than $1 trillion from a plethora of health programs and adding more than $3 trillion to the national debt.

Nearly all the caucus members who voted “yes” cited “worry for the American people” as their main reason. What these representatives seem to forget, though, is Republicans pushed through $186 billion in SNAP cuts only months ago.

Chuck Schumer, the minority leader for the Democrats in the Senate, is now facing calls from both house Democrats and his constituents to resign, despite voting against the deal. Citizens have grown tired of representatives on either side bending the knee to President Donald Trump. Schumer has been an ineffective leader, and many blame him for being unable to keep the Democratic Caucus united.

Sen. John Fetterman apologized to SNAP recipients and government workers in a social media post minutes after the vote, despite voting in favor of the plan, allowing Republicans to continue slashing social assistance. There have been strong reactions to the post, with many users labeling him as “spineless” and a “traitor.”

Democrats rolling over for Trump and the GOP has become a common theme, unable to hold up against even the slightest adversity. This Democratic Party will never be able to fight against the GOP and protect the lower class from its predatory policies.

This shutdown was a pivotal moment for the Trump administration, exposing its many flaws. The only thing he could do to cover this up was point fingers. But now, with Democrats folding to Trump, it will only make Republicans’ claims more reputable. With a historically low approval rating, Democrats will struggle to gain a foothold in our political landscape.

Sen. Angus King described this vote as “a win for the American people,” moving the nation toward the stabilization of our social services.

But if our representatives see coming out of this government shutdown as a victory, despite having nothing that could help their constituents, then it’s time to vote them out. This Democratic Party has shown time and time again it is unable and unwilling to fight injustice – the only thing we can do is hold them accountable.

James Reed is a freshman studying political science. He can be reached at jcreed@syr.edu.

Published on November 11, 2025 at 8:15 pm