BOSTON— Senate leaders have struck a deal that could finally end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, after a critical coalition of at least eight Senate Democratic centrists came together with Senate GOP leaders and the White House. This deal, which includes a stopgap measure to extend government funding until January, has been met with fierce backlash from many within the Democratic Party.

Tensions are high as the deal is tied to future negotiations on extending enhanced Affordable Care subsidies, a point of contention that has left some liberal senators feeling betrayed. “For me, it’s no deal without health care,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, reflecting a sentiment echoed widely among his colleagues.

The negotiations were brokered by a group that includes Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who represents thousands of federal workers, supports the GOP’s commitment to a future vote on these subsidies. “Lawmakers know their constituents expect them to vote for it,” he stated, emphasizing the potential political fallout for those who might oppose the deal.

Despite the apparent progress, House Democratic leaders have sharply condemned the agreement, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declaring that his caucus “will not support spending legislation advanced by Senate Republicans that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.” The standoff represents a significant risk, as Speaker Mike Johnson faces narrow margins in the House, complicating the passage of this controversial measure.

Senate votes on this deal are expected to begin soon, with the possibility of further complications as it returns to the House for final approval. As public employees remain in limbo, the true stakes of this political maneuvering become more apparent. Will this bipartisan coalition hold, or will internal divisions reignite the shutdown? Only time will tell.