Summary
The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a spending bill to end a prolonged government shutdown. If House Republicans remain united, they can pass the budget without needing Democratic support, but several issues threaten this unity. One significant point of contention is the renewal of tax credits for affordable health insurance.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Senate has passed a spending bill to end the longest government shutdown in history.
- House Republicans need to stay united to pass the budget without Democratic votes.
- A key issue is whether Republicans will agree to renew tax credits that help 24 million Americans afford health insurance.
- Democrats want to attach these tax credits to the spending bill, while Senate Republicans only agreed to a future vote.
- Some conservative Republicans warn against allowing health insurance premiums to rise.
- Democrats are divided on the issue; the left-wing is critical of those who supported the Senate budget.
- Moderate Democrats like Jared Golden and Henry Cuellar may support the Republican spending plan.
- The House has a narrow Republican majority with 219 seats; they can only lose two votes on the plan.
