Arizona Lawmakers Blast Senate Deal That Excludes ACA Subsidies, Government to Open — ‘A Joke’

After a long fight in resolving the government shutdown, the Senate passed the recent legislation Monday night that may reopen the government this week. However, Arizona democratic lawmakers are receiving backlash for their firm stance on the non-negotiable healthcare subsidy premiums. 

Cactus Politics recently reported that the deal passed Sunday night with a 60-40 vote to advance a funding bill passed by the House of Representatives. 

The complete eight democratic senators needed to vote in favor after House Majority Leader John Thune had promised to fulfill the democratic wishes to vote on the ACA funding bill by the end of the second week of December. 

However, Democrats were doubtful because the promised funding bill needs 60 votes to pass, leaving the outcome uncertain. 

Democratic Response

As a result of the proposed legislation, Representative Yassamin Ansari characterized the recent deal as a “joke,” stating that it “does absolutely nothing to protect healthcare for 24 million Americans.”

She continued to emphasize her disappointment in Senate Democrats who voted for this continuing resolution. 

Senator Ruben Gallego, a resolute Democrat throughout the shutdown, posted on X to maintain his firm stance on what reopening the government could mean. 

Explaining that “[he’s] looking hardworking Arizona parents in the eyes,” and promising the stability of health insurance. 

“I sure as hell won’t give up that right for a show vote,” Gallego concluded. 

The Proposed Deal

As the government is set to reopen on Wednesday afternoon, Arizona democrats are being given the blame for the shutdown because they were not willing to give up on healthcare premiums as families are already seeing rising costs. 

The legislation includes three full-year funding bills, SNAP benefits provided through next September, and the government operating under a short-term mandate through the end of January

Additionally, the deal does not include extending expiring ACA subsidies.