Why These 8 Democrats Backed GOP Shutdown Compromise/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Eight Democratic senators broke ranks to support a bipartisan deal ending the historic government shutdown, drawing sharp criticism from within their party. These lawmakers, including several retirees and former governors, defended their votes as necessary to alleviate suffering and resume federal services. Each cited urgent state-level impacts and political realities as key motivations.
Democrats Who Backed GOP Shutdown Deal: Quick Looks
- Eight Democratic senators voted with Republicans to advance shutdown-ending legislation
- Senators cited urgent needs like food aid, air travel, and federal worker protections
- Critics within the party, including Bernie Sanders, slammed the move as betrayal
- Retiring senators and former governors led the centrist break
- All eight emphasized relief over party-line posturing
- Many secured pledges for future votes on health subsidies
- SNAP benefits, mass layoffs, and regional economies were key motivators
- Some Democrats blame GOP tactics but sought immediate resolution for constituents
Deep Look
Eight Democrats Cross Aisle to Back Shutdown Deal: Here’s Why They Did It
In a rare and controversial move, eight Democratic senators joined Republicans to push forward legislation to end the record-breaking government shutdown, which has now stretched into its sixth week. The vote, held Sunday night, sparked immediate backlash within their party, with progressive lawmakers calling the decision “a betrayal” of Democratic priorities — particularly regarding the fight to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
But the group of Democratic defectors — which included retiring lawmakers, former governors, and moderate voices — defended their choice as a necessary step to protect American families, restore critical federal services, and end a political stalemate that had paralyzed Washington.
Here’s how each senator explained their vote:
1. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Shaheen, who is retiring at the end of her term, played a lead role in negotiating the bipartisan agreement. While she had pushed for continued ACA tax credits, she ultimately accepted a pledge from Senate Majority Leader John Thune for a December vote on the issue.
“This was the only deal on the table,” Shaheen said. “It was our best chance to reopen the government and begin negotiations to extend the ACA tax credits that millions rely on.”
2. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Durbin, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, also set to retire, framed his vote as a humanitarian move. He acknowledged the bill’s imperfections but stressed the damage the shutdown had already caused.
“This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce the hurt,” Durbin said, citing funding for SNAP and reversing Trump-era mass federal firings.
3. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Kaine emphasized the personal toll the shutdown has taken on federal workers in Virginia. He was especially concerned about language that would curb mass layoffs ordered by the Trump administration.
“This agreement creates a moratorium on mischief,” Kaine said. “Those traumatizing layoffs? They can’t do them anymore.”
4. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Another former governor, Hassan cited escalating impacts on food aid as a driving force behind her decision.
“I’ve heard from families about the deep pain this shutdown caused,” she said. “I voted to reopen the government so we can return to the work of helping Granite Staters.”
5. Sen. Angus King (I-ME)
King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, has opposed using shutdowns as a political tactic. While he supported ACA subsidies, he said it became clear the shutdown wasn’t achieving that goal.
“The shutdown was not working,” King said. “It was time to change course and negotiate in good faith.”
6. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Rosen, visibly frustrated with the prolonged deadlock, pointed to growing disruptions in air travel that threatened Nevada’s tourism economy.
“Trump and the GOP are weaponizing their power to hurt working people,” she said. “This shutdown has devastated air travel and our economy.”
7. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Cortez Masto echoed Rosen, citing long lines at food banks and damage to low-income families.
“The stories were horrific,” she said. “People are suffering while politicians argue.”
8. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA)
Fetterman, known for his independent streak, broke from the party line early in the shutdown and maintained his position.
“This was a failure,” Fetterman posted online. “Our military, SNAP recipients, and government workers haven’t been paid in weeks. It should never have come to this.”
Pushback From the Left
Not everyone in the Democratic Party agreed.
Sen. Bernie Sanders called the decision “a very, very bad vote,” criticizing the lack of a secured extension for health care subsidies and suggesting the defectors gave in too easily.
Progressive Rep. Greg Casar and others accused the senators of “capitulation,” arguing that Democrats had momentum and a mandate from voters to hold firm.
A Strategic Break or a Risky Gamble?
The eight senators say their actions were grounded in pragmatism, not politics. Many of them — including King, Shaheen, and Kaine — have long championed cross-party negotiations and expressed concern over the use of shutdowns as leverage.
They argue that while the ACA subsidies remain a priority, reopening the government had to come first — especially as key programs like SNAP, air traffic control, and federal paychecks began to unravel.
Even so, the political risk is real. Some of these senators, especially in swing states like Nevada and Pennsylvania, may face primary challengers or party criticism ahead of future elections.
For those retiring, like Shaheen and Durbin, the calculation may have been different. Without reelection looming, their focus appeared to shift more toward short-term relief and legacy-building.
What Comes Next
The Senate is expected to take up the ACA tax credit issue in December, though House Republicans have not committed to bringing any related legislation forward. As President Trump’s administration maintains a hard line on cutting subsidies and shrinking government, further negotiation is likely to be contentious.
For now, the eight Democrats who broke ranks believe they made the right choice — even if it cost them goodwill within their party.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.