"Coming off an overall successful election last Tuesday, Democrats are once again divided. The shutdown deal did not extend health care subsidies - their one big ask behind the prolonged standoff. Many congressional Democrats have expressed frustration with the party's leadership, particularly with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) - signaling that change may be coming. Driving the news: Eight Senate Democrats, excluding Schumer, broke ranks to advance a deal that will fund the government until late January."
"The Democrats named their price to end the shutdown - a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits that would help 22 million people. Senate Dems said the shutdown would continue until the credits were added to the deal. Zoom out: The Democrats were hoping to use the government shutdown for leverage against the Trump administration, fueled by grassroots pressure."
"Schumer was under heavy political pressure not to fold without securing the ACA extension, given his decision to support a Republican measure earlier in the year. Many Democrats suggested calling on the party to make the shutdown process as painful as possible for Republicans in order to get their ACA tax credits over the goal line and gain an advantage heading into next year's midterms."
Democrats entered a period of internal division after a funding deal advanced without extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that would aid 22 million people. Eight Senate Democrats, excluding Chuck Schumer, broke ranks to pass funding through Jan. 30 while many in the party had demanded a one-year extension of ACA tax credits as the price to end the shutdown. Democrats sought to use the shutdown as leverage against the Trump administration amid grassroots pressure. The agreement funds the government to Jan. 30, extends SNAP funding through FY2026, and reverses RIFs for federal workers. Critics say Democrats lost leverage and future subsidy votes remain uncertain.
Read at Axios
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