U.S. government shutdown sees hope of ending, but deep divisions remain within the Democratic Party over the "compromise bill"

ChainCatcher News, on Sunday evening local time, the U.S. Senate passed a procedural motion. According to the agreement, Congress will provide full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Congress itself, while other agencies will be funded until January 30. Before the vote, eight key centrist Democratic senators reached an agreement with Senate Republican leaders and the White House, agreeing to push for a government restart on the condition that a future vote will be held on extending the Affordable Care Act subsidy program.

However, this "compromise bill" has sparked deep divisions within the Democratic Party. Senate Minority Leader Schumer opposed it. Senator Warren of Massachusetts stated, "I think this is a huge mistake. The American people want us to fight for healthcare." House Minority Leader Jeffries issued a statement criticizing the agreement before the Senate vote: "We will not support any Senate Republican appropriations bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. We will fight this Republican bill in the House." Texas Democratic Representative Casar called the agreement a "betrayal" and "surrender" because it failed to lower healthcare costs.

Moderate Democrats, on the other hand, defended their votes, arguing that this was the best deal they could make. Kaine, who voted in favor, argued that this would allow Democrats to bring important healthcare issues to a vote.