Summary
Democrats and Republicans are in a disagreement over a bill to keep the federal government funded and end the current partial shutdown. Key Democratic senators are being closely watched as they consider whether to change their votes. The main issues are health care tax credits and Medicaid cuts, which Democrats want to address.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown started on Wednesday, affecting many federal workers and services.
- Democrats want to extend health care tax credits and reverse Medicaid cuts as part of the funding negotiations.
- The House passed a temporary funding bill, but it is stalled in the Senate.
- The bill needs 60 votes in the Senate to bypass a procedural step called a filibuster.
- Several Democratic senators from swing states and moderates are key to the bill's passage.
- The Senate voted on the measure twice, with some Democrats voting differently to seek a compromise.
- Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan are among those being watched for how they will vote.
- Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.