6 Democrats Break Ranks, Help Pass Short-Term US Funding Bill Amid Shutdown Fears
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In a surprise move, six House Democrats defied their party to support a short-term government funding bill, helping to avert a federal shutdown. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, will keep the government running until early 2026. The six Democrats who broke with their party are Jared Golden (Maine), Adam Gray (California), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Washington), Don Davis (North Carolina), Henry Cuellar (Texas), and Tom Suozzi (New York). All six represent swing districts crucial to the 2026 House election. Notably, Golden had previously supported a Republican funding package in September and has announced he will not seek re-election next year. The bill, however, does not address the expiring health care tax credits that were a core demand of the Democratic party. In contrast, two conservative Republicans, Thomas Massie (Kentucky) and Greg Steube (Florida), voted against the bill, citing a lack of significant spending cuts and border security provisions. However, Indiana Representative Victoria Spartz, who had previously opposed the bill, changed her stance, stating that the continuing resolution does not increase spending and allows for essential services to continue. The bill, expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump, will fund the government through January 30, 2026. Senate Democrats have been promised a vote on the expiring health care tax credits by mid-December as part of the agreement with Republicans, setting the stage for a future showdown on Capitol Hill.
