A disaster.
Influential left-wing Democrat and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders does not mince words when he describes to CBS News his disappointment that eight Democrats voted with the Republicans to give the budget deal the green light.
This is in reference to the fact that the party's signature issue - guaranteed extension of subsidized care within the framework of the health insurance "Obamacare" - is not included in the bill.
The eight Democrats nevertheless chose to vote with the opposing party, likely influenced by reports of tens of millions of Americans without food stamps due to the shutdown, as well as chaotic situations at the country's airports and widespread layoffs. They have also received a promise from Senate Majority Leader John Thune of a separate vote on the health insurance issue in December.
Vote on Wednesday?
However, this promise is not something the Republican leaders in the House of Representatives want to agree to.
"I'm not promising anyone anything," Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters.
However, he quickly recalled the House members to Washington, D.C., so they can also vote on the budget deal. The House of Representatives has not held a vote since September 19, and many members of Congress have spent time in their home states during the more than 40-day shutdown. The vote could begin Wednesday afternoon local time, according to party whip Tom Emmer.
Johnson is optimistic, but it is far from certain that the budget deal will pass the House of Representatives. Republicans are divided, with the arch-conservative so-called Freedom Caucus, for example, preferring a deal that lets all costs run for a year.
Food stamps for one year
The compromise package now on the table includes allowing government spending to continue through the end of January, retroactive salary payments for government employees, and the cancellation of layoffs of government employees made during the shutdown. However, certain costs – defense spending, support for military veterans, and support for the Department of Agriculture, which pays out food stamps – will be secured for a year, according to US media.
In a final step in the process, the bill will go to President Donald Trump for his signature. According to information to CNN, he is satisfied and aims to be able to open the government apparatus soon.
It's really a shame that it's been closed, but we will open up our country very soon.
Corrected: Bernie Sanders is the Vermont senator and nothing else.
Tina Magnergård Bjers/TT
Facts: US Congress
TT
Congress is the federal legislative assembly of the United States, based in the Capitol in the capital, Washington, D.C. Its work runs in two-year terms – the 119th Congress session will begin on January 3, 2025.
Congress consists of the Senate with 100 members, two from each state, and the House of Representatives with 435 seats distributed in relation to the states' populations.
In the Senate, Republicans hold 53 of the seats. South Dakota Senator John Thune is the majority leader and New York Democrat Chuck Schumer is the minority leader.
In the House of Representatives, Republicans have 219 seats, Democrats 213, and three are vacant. Mike Johnson is the Speaker and Hakeem Jeffries is the Minority Leader.
Congress enacts federal laws, decides on taxes and appropriations, and approves ministers and other high-ranking officials. It can also remove federal officials, including the president and judges, through impeachment.
Sources: US Congress, House Press Gallery
