URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is facing fierce backlash after voting in favor of a GOP-backed plan to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, now entering its 41st day. As the Senate reconvenes, Durbin defended his decision amidst rising criticism from fellow Democrats.
During a passionate address on the Senate floor, Durbin acknowledged the dissatisfaction among his party members, stating, “Many of my friends are unhappy. They think we should have kept our government closed indefinitely to protest the policies of the Trump administration.” He attributed the shutdown to President Donald Trump and his Republican allies, emphasizing the urgency of reopening the government for the sake of federal workers and their families.
“I cannot accept a strategy which wages political battle at the expense of my neighbors’ paycheck or the food for his children,” he added, highlighting the real-world consequences of the shutdown.
The proposed Senate agreement, which Durbin supported, aims to reopen the government until January 30, 2024. It includes critical funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Women, Infants and Children Program, as well as a commitment to rehire all federal workers laid off during the shutdown. However, it lacks assurances for extending health care subsidies, a significant sticking point for progressive Democrats, including many from Illinois.
Despite facing intense criticism, Durbin’s vote reflects his deep-rooted institutional beliefs. He claimed he had assurances from Senate Republican Leader John Thune that the agreement would be honored. “I was counting on him to keep his word on this agreement. He assured me he would,” Durbin said.
As the political fallout continues, Progressive Democrats like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have publicly criticized the deal. “This is not a deal — it’s an empty promise,” Pritzker stated on X, asserting that the agreement fails to address rising health care costs for middle-class families.
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth opposed the proposal, while other notable Illinois Democrats, including potential successors for Durbin’s seat, have voiced strong disapproval. “Today’s vote plays directly into Donald Trump’s hands,” said Juliana Stratton, who is campaigning for Durbin’s position. Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized the deal, calling it built on “delay, deception, and empty promises.”
The Senate’s 60-40 vote has intensified calls for accountability within the Democratic Party, with some activists targeting Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his role in the negotiations. Although Schumer voted against the deal, dissenters claim he allowed it to proceed.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the GOP-led House responds to the Senate’s agreement. The ramifications of this deal extend far beyond Washington, affecting the livelihoods of numerous federal employees and millions of Americans reliant on essential services.
With the government’s future hanging in the balance, officials and taxpayers alike are left wondering if this compromise will truly bring the relief that is desperately needed. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
