January 1, Shutdown Ends House Pushes Biden-Era Deal

Wyatt’s Take

• Longest government shutdown ends with new spending deal.
• Democrat leaders divided, Republicans stay united.
• Healthcare fight and spending debates loom ahead.

The federal government will reopen Thursday after a record-setting shutdown. Lawmakers cut a deal to extend current funding into 2026, with some spending bills lasting even longer.

Bipartisan support made the final vote possible: six Democrats joined Republicans to pass the bill, while two Republicans defected. Federal workers will report back to their jobs right away.

Congress had hit a stalemate as Senate Democrats and a few Republicans, like Rand Paul, blocked earlier votes. After 15 failed tries, enough Senate Democrats relented, letting the bill move forward with a narrow margin.

“None of those eight walking the plank to vote with Republicans face reelection in 2026, a sign of the political peril facing any Democrat willing to open up Donald Trump’s government.”

Democrat leaders got no new promises in return for their support. Their party may pay dearly, facing blame for missed paychecks and services during the shutdown.

Liberal activists are frustrated after tough-talking Dems caved. Republicans, led by John Thune, stood their ground and came out looking stronger just as the midterm season heats up.

Democrats wanted to use the shutdown to force talks on Obamacare subsidies, but Republicans refused. The final deal only offers Democrats a future, likely doomed, chance at a vote.

“As part of the weekend agreement with Thune, Senate Democrats received a promised vote on a bill of their choice to extend the subsidies, although that promise includes no guarantee to pass the bill, which is almost certain to die on Capitol Hill.”

Now, Democrats wrestle with internal battles over their leadership and strategy. Meanwhile, Republicans are poised to shape healthcare debates as existing subsidies expire soon.

House Minority Leader Jeffries and Senate leader Schumer both face criticism from their own ranks as voters weigh their party’s future. No clear plan is in sight for the next funding deadline.

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Wyatt Matters

This shutdown showdown shows leaders in Washington still don’t listen to regular people who bear the brunt when paychecks and services get shut off. Folks across Middle America just want steady work and honest government—something elites keep failing to deliver.