The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Wednesday late afternoon on legislation that could end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, even as Democrats — including Maine’s First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree — condemn a Senate-brokered compromise that omits an extension of expiring healthcare subsidies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson recalled lawmakers to Washington after keeping the chamber out of session for more than 50 days.
On Monday, a small group of seven Senate Democrats and Maine Independent Sen. Angus King joined Republicans to advance a short-term spending bill that funds the government through January without renewing Affordable Care Act tax credits. The decision drew backlash from within the party, with some progressives calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign.
All Republicans voted for the measure except Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. Among the Democrat-affiliated senators who supported it, several of whom are newly re-elected or nearing the end of their terms.
Wednesday’s expected vote falls on day 42 of the shutdown, as hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain furloughed, millions risk losing food assistance, and airlines warn of ongoing disruptions.
On Tuesday, the House Rules Committee advanced the Senate bill 8-4 along party lines. During the hearing, the panel’s top Democrat, Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, criticized Republicans for their absence during the shutdown.
“Where the hell have you been?” McGovern said. “Republicans quiet quit their jobs. They disappeared.”
Committee Chair Virginia Foxx of North Carolina countered that Democrats caused the shutdown, saying they walked away “empty handed” after insisting on the healthcare subsidies.
Although Democrats failed to secure the extension, the senators who broke with their party claimed they had won a commitment from Senate Majority Leader John Thune to hold a vote by mid-December on renewing the tax credits.
Without an extension, millions of Americans could face steep increases in premiums or lose coverage altogether.
The continuing resolution would keep funding at current levels through January 2026 and include full-year appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the USDA, the FDA, and congressional operations. It also blocks additional federal layoffs through January and guarantees back pay for furloughed workers.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats intend to oppose the measure, calling the lack of healthcare provisions unacceptable. A Democratic amendment to extend ACA tax credits for three years was rejected by the Republican-controlled committee Tuesday night.
“Because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits … healthcare for people all across this country is on the brink of becoming unaffordable,” Jeffries said.
With a narrow 219-member majority, Johnson can afford to lose only two Republican votes. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky is expected to oppose the bill. Still, GOP leaders remain confident it will pass and reach President Donald Trump’s desk.
Speaking Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, Trump praised Johnson and called the Senate measure a “very big victory.”
“We’re opening up our country,” Trump said. “Should have never been closed.”
