Arizona Representatives Divided as Senate Moves to End Government Shutdown

The Senate moved closer to ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history on Sunday night when lawmakers voted 60-40 to advance a funding bill passed earlier by the House of Representatives. 

The vote reached exactly the minimum number needed to move forward, with eight Democratic senators joining Republicans to support the measure.

Under this funding plan, several government departments, including the military construction program and the Department of Agriculture, as well as Congress itself, would receive funding through the end of September 2026. Other federal agencies would be funded only through the end of January 2026.

Arizona Lawmakers Responses

However, the Arizona Representatives had opposing views on the vote. Republican Representative Abe Hamadeh posted on social media that Senate Democrats had accomplished nothing productive during the shutdown and only caused unnecessary problems for Americans. 

Along with Hamadeh, Republican Representative Andy Biggs pointed out that Arizona's two senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, were among those who voted against reopening the government, claiming this decision hurt military families and caused problems for air travelers.

Senator Gallego responded by explaining his reasons for opposing the bill. He stated he would not abandon roughly 24 million Americans who could face doubled health insurance costs without extended tax credits. 

Gallego wrote that high prices are already forcing families to choose between unaffordable insurance plans or having no coverage at all, potentially leaving parents facing hundreds of thousands in medical debt for treatments like cancer care.

Senator Kelly also voted no, arguing that the legislation would increase healthcare expenses while benefiting wealthy individuals through tax cuts.

Recent Deal

Eight Democratic senators decided to support the bill after securing an agreement from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, promising to schedule a vote on healthcare tax credit extensions before mid-December. 

The Democratic senators who supported the bill include John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, Dick Durbin, Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, and Independent Angus King.

Additionally, the House of Representatives must vote on and approve this Senate version before sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature.

The Senate has paused until Monday morning, when lawmakers will continue addressing the shutdown.