And the One Republican Who Voted Against It
WASHINGTON — The ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its seventh day, has exposed deep partisan divides, but three members of the Democratic caucus—Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Angus King (I-Maine)—have broken ranks to support the Republican-led bill to reopen the government. Their votes, cast repeatedly over the past week, including in a procedural vote on October 6, highlight a rare bipartisan push to end the gridlock, though Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) still needs five more Democratic votes to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) consistently opposing the GOP measure.
The standoff centers on a clash over Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies which includes provisions for illegal immigrants to access free healthcare, with Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), demanding protections for expiring premium tax credits as part of any funding deal. Republicans, under Thune, advocate a clean continuing resolution through November 21, promising to address health care reforms after reopening. The three defectors, however, have prioritized ending the shutdown over party loyalty, citing the mounting economic and social toll.
Meet the Democrats: Fetterman, Cortez Masto, and King
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- Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.): Known for his progressive stance, Fetterman has framed his vote as a pragmatic choice to prevent further disruption. “Shutting our government down isn’t a “game”. Democrat or Republican, regardless of the reason—America loses. “Blame” is on anyone that picks party over country.” His support for the GOP bill has drawn criticism from some progressive Democrats who see the shutdown as leverage to secure health care concessions, but Fetterman remains steadfast, emphasizing the need to keep federal operations running.
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- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.): A member of Democratic leadership, Cortez Masto’s defection carries significant weight. Representing Nevada, a state hit hard by federal furloughs and park closures, she has cited the shutdown’s impact on local families.
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- Sen. Angus King (I-Maine): Caucusing with Democrats, King has called his decision to back the Republican bill “agonizing” but necessary to avoid further harm. While critical of Thune’s refusal to address ACA subsidies upfront, King argues that a prolonged shutdown risks empowering executive overreach.
Their support has brought the GOP bill to a 55-45 tally in recent votes, falling short due to Paul’s opposition and unified Democratic resistance. Despite their efforts, the trio has not yet swayed additional colleagues, leaving the Senate deadlocked.
Shutdown’s Toll and Political Pressure
The shutdown’s consequences are intensifying, with non-essential federal services halted, hundreds of thousands of workers furloughed, and agencies like the IRS and national parks strained. Economists estimate a $15 billion weekly economic hit. President Donald Trump, who spoke with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on October 6, has warned of “imminent” federal layoffs, escalating pressure on Democrats. The White House has pointed to the defectors as signs of a fracturing Democratic front, urging more to follow.
Thune remains committed to holding repeated votes, insisting that ACA negotiations can follow a reopening. Schumer, however, has dismissed recent talks as “unproductive,” demanding upfront action on subsidies. Progressive voices, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), have framed the standoff as a Republican attempt to undermine health care access, urging Democrats to hold firm.
Can the Defectors Inspire More?
As the Senate reconvenes, attention is on whether moderate Democrats like Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) or Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) might join the trio, though neither has indicated support. With public frustration growing and Trump’s layoff threats looming, the pressure for a breakthrough intensifies.
Fetterman, Cortez Masto, and King have emerged as pivotal figures in a crisis testing party loyalty and pragmatic governance. Whether their defiance inspires enough colleagues to cross the aisle could determine how long the shutdown—and its fallout—endures.
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