Common Trait Unites Democrats’ Surrender Caucus

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Common Trait Unites Democrats’ Surrender Caucus

The recent Senate decision to fund the government through January 30 has stirred significant debate among Democrats. Key members of the Senate Democratic caucus, known as the “Surrender Caucus,” voted to support a continuing resolution under pressure from Republicans.

Key Details of the Senate Vote

The Senate voted 60-40 in favor of the stopgap measure.
The resolution guarantees back pay for furloughed workers.
However, it does not address the Democrats’ demands to reverse cuts to Medicaid or extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

Implications for Democratic Leadership

Out of the seven Democrats and one Independent who supported the resolution, none face re-election in the upcoming midterms. Two senators, Dick Durbin from Illinois and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, have announced their retirement. The others, including Senators Maggie Hassan, John Fetterman, and Catherine Cortez Masto, have terms extending until 2028 or 2030.

Impact on ACA Subsidies

The expiration of ACA credits is poised to dramatically affect premiums for approximately 22 million Americans. Average costs are expected to double for these individuals next year. Although Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune promised a separate vote on extending these subsidies by mid-December, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to a vote, raising concerns among Democrats and advocacy groups.

Party Division and Reactions

The agreement to end the government shutdown, which began on October 1, has ignited a civil war within the Democratic Party. Many lawmakers expressed “near universal frustration” with the compromise, feeling it does not adequately protect critical social programs.

Former President Donald Trump’s tactics during the shutdown included threatening blue states with canceled federal projects and demanding an end to the filibuster. The fallout from these negotiations has contributed to his record-low approval ratings, with polls indicating that many voters attribute blame for the funding deadlock to Republican leadership.

Conclusion

The current situation reflects significant challenges for the Democratic Party, as they navigate internal divisions while attempting to respond to Republican pressures. With crucial elections approaching, the long-term consequences of this compromise may play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s future strategies.