Nevada Senators Cross Party Lines in Vote to End Government Shutdown
On Sunday, the Senate took an initial step toward ending the government shutdown after moderate Democrats, including Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, agreed to advance the measure. This decision came despite the absence of a guaranteed extension for health care subsidies, which upset many Democrats who wanted to keep fighting.
Senate Vote Details
In a procedural vote, the Senate approved moving forward with the compromise legislation 60-40. This legislation aims to fund the government now and schedule a later vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that expire in January. Final approval could take several more days if Democrats continue to raise objections and delay the process.
ACA Subsidies Controversy
The agreement does not ensure that ACA subsidies will be extended, a key demand from Democrats for nearly six weeks. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer voted against advancing the bill, joined by most of his Democratic colleagues.
"Nevadans had not sent her to Washington to 'cave' to Republicans," said Senator Rosen, reflecting on her prior stance against the Republican-backed shutdown end legislation.
Changing Positions Among Nevada Senators
- Senator Cortez Masto consistently voted for Republican-backed measures to end the shutdown.
- Senator Rosen previously opposed these measures, emphasizing the need to resist Republican pressure.
- The prolonged shutdown's mounting costs ultimately compelled both senators to support moving forward.
This bipartisan move signals a pragmatic shift amid the pressures of the longest government shutdown in American history.