After a record-breaking 53-day break, members of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington on Tuesday facing a critical vote that could determine the fate of the ongoing government shutdown.
Democratic Opposition Hardens
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) delivered a stark warning to reporters on 11 November, declaring that Democrats would strongly oppose any legislation that fails to address what he termed the Republican healthcare crisis. The spending package, which passed the Senate on Monday, reauthorises government funding through January but excludes extensions for Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Jeffries told CNN: "It's our expectation that the House will vote at some point tomorrow and House Democrats will strongly oppose any legislation that does not decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis."
Senate Compromise Sparks Controversy
The political landscape shifted when a splinter group of Senate Democrats joined with Republicans to craft the compromise bill. President Donald Trump immediately claimed victory, calling the agreement "a very big victory" during remarks at Arlington National Cemetery.
"We're opening up our country," the president declared. "Should have never been closed, should have never been closed."
The Democratic opposition creates a significant challenge for Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who has kept the House out of session for more than 50 days in an attempt to pressure Senate Democrats. The upcoming vote promises to be exceptionally tight.
Broader Implications and Other Developments
Meanwhile, several other significant developments emerged across Washington:
The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has entered Latin American waters, marking an escalation in military tensions with Venezuela.
In a blow to millions of Americans, the Supreme Court enabled the Trump administration to continue withholding $4 billion in food stamp funding, extending the pause until midnight on Thursday.
Air travel disruptions are expected to worsen regardless of the shutdown's outcome, as the Federal Aviation Administration implements deeper flight cuts at 40 major airports.
The administration also faces criticism over Trump's pardoning spree for political allies, plans to allow offshore drilling in California, and attempts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
International repercussions continue as Britain has suspended intelligence sharing with the US on suspected drug trafficking in the Caribbean, citing concerns about potential lethal military strikes.
