Sen. Dick Durbin Faces Criticism for Supporting GOP Shutdown Measure
Senator Dick Durbin is facing backlash after voting to advance a Republican-led House bill aimed at ending the government shutdown. Several candidates competing for Durbin's seat, including Lt. Juliana Stratton, openly criticized his decision.
Details of the Vote and the Bill
Durbin joined moderate Democrats in supporting the bill by a 60-40 vote. The bill funds the government and postpones a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, which expire in January. It also reverses mass federal worker firings that started with the shutdown on October 1 and guarantees back pay to those workers.
The Senate could vote on the final measure as early as Monday evening.
Durbin's Statement on the Bill
The Illinois Democrat described the bill as “not perfect,” but necessary to reduce the harm caused by the ongoing 40-day shutdown. He referenced air-traffic controllers working extended hours and criticized former President Donald Trump’s attempts to block SNAP benefit payments.
“The bill helps to minimize the hurt of the 40-day and counting shutdown.”
Party Divisions and Opposition
The vote exposed a split among Democrats regarding how to end the shutdown and restore healthcare subsidies. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the bipartisan agreement. Key progressive senators also voiced strong disapproval.
“To my mind, this was a very, very bad vote,” said Vermont Sen.
Summary
Durbin's support for the shutdown-ending bill reflects deep Democratic divisions over strategy, drawing sharp rebuke from progressives and candidates challenging his Senate seat.
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