A number of Democratic representatives on Sunday vented they do not support their Senate colleagues “caving” on a deal to end the government shutdown if it excludes an extension to Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Their irritation comes after Axios reported a deal was “within reach” to end the 40-day long government shutdown earlier in the day.
The report — citing sources from both parties — said that Senate Democrats are prepared to advance a package of bills to bring an end to the standoff. The procedural motion which would set up votes on these bills is expected to be supported by at least 10 Senate Democrats, per Axios — which adds that the deal would include a vote on extending Obamacare tax credits in December.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) later told The New York Times he was optimistic a deal was “coming together” and that a test vote could be held on Sunday night.
If that’s the case, a number of Democrats in the House said they would be upset if an agreement is reached without an Obamacare extension.
Here are some of the posts from Dems making their displeasure known:
Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) said “caving” on healthcare would “fail” working families.
Similarly, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) said “caving now makes no sense.”
And Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) also said she was against “caving on a deal” that doesn’t “fix” healthcare. “Hold the line,” she urged.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) said agreeing to the current framework would be like “trading something for nothing.”
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-PA) said he was not interested in a “pinky promise” that Republicans will make a more comprehensive deal down the line.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) ripped the “so-called ‘deal”” and said he would vote “no” on it. Without Obamacare subsidies, he said, it is nothing more than an “unconditional surrender.”
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), meanwhile, said she is a “no” vote — and if you believe this is a deal, she has a “bridge to sell you.”
Some liberal senators have indicated they feel the same way too.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said making such a deal would be a “mistake,” according to Punchbowl News reporter Andrew Desiderio. He also reported Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-MA) said there “might” be a vote on it; the senator said he was also skeptical that President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) were “gonna do anything” to get a deal done.
