Time and time again, Democrats choose to be the “adults” in a room where there were none to begin with. And millions of Americans pay the price.
To end the government shutdown, which spanned 44 days, Democrats sought to negotiate a continuing resolution that they’d only agree upon if expanded healthcare subsidies–set to expire this year–were extended.
Millions of Americans rely on enhanced premium tax credits from the Affordable Care Act that have been provided since 2021 in the wake of COVID.
If the ACA tax credits are not extended, healthcare costs will more than double for 22 million Americans in 2026. On average, people will pay more than $1,000 a month. Democrats swore up and down that there wouldn’t be a deal without a healthcare agreement.
The elections on Nov. 4 showed that President Donald Trump and the Republican trifecta have grown deeply unpopular. Non-essential federal employees went over a month without getting paid. SNAP benefits appeared to be in limbo. With almost total control in Washington, Republicans stood idly by as people suffered and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ensued.
Even in a moment such as this, eight Democratic senators put that to the wayside to cave to Trump and Republicans in exchange for a fruitless handshake.
After the vote to advance the reopening of the government, Democrats came away without a guarantee on an extension–only a set date for a vote on the ACA credits. Meanwhile, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson maintains no commitment on holding a tax credit vote.
Affordability is already a major concern of Americans, with everyday people finding it harder and harder to pay for groceries and rent. Efforts such as Medicare for All have fallen far from mainstream American discourse, and today, Democrats seem to be satisfied with half-hearted Republican promises instead.
The ACA isn’t perfect. However, America’s healthcare system is broken. In New Hampshire, a constituent credited the ACA with saving his life, getting him treatment for cancer. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen was at that meeting and relayed the anecdote live on CNBC, only to become one of the eight who voted yes. The lowered costs from the ACA credits have undoubtedly saved many other lives.
This is the fight that was woefully surrendered. Democrats plowed through negotiations, demanding a guarantee that millions of Americans would be able to keep their cheaper health coverage. Those who voted “yes” point to the Republican promise that a vote will take place in December, but that is not a win for them or the American people.
This seems to be the trend with traditional Dems. They posture, cower, then stand before voters and tell them, “This is the best we could do.”
The 60-40 vote angered many Democrats. As usual, the party seems to be in disarray, with no coalescence or collective will to adequately deter Trump or Republicans.
Democratic senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has faced calls for him to resign his speakership. He voted “no” and gave a speech on the Senate floor denouncing the bill. But who was in charge of negotiations behind closed doors? Whose job is it to ensure the caucus is aligned in protecting healthcare?
Schumer’s speech on the Senate floor after enough Democrats were reportedly secured just comes across as appallingly performative. Aesthetic in all aspects.
December’s vote on the ACA tax credits does not guarantee they will be extended. It does not mean House or Senate Republicans will suddenly honor the Democrats’ compromise and vote for an extension.
And certainly, it does not mean Trump will sign them into law if somehow a pen and paper land on his desk.
Velocity 
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