Jon Stewart Criticizes Senate Democrats After Government Shutdown Deal Leaves Healthcare Subsidies Unsecured

In an angry monologue, Jon Stewart chastised Senate Democrats and Republicans for reopening the government without healthcare subsidies. Eight Democrats backed Republicans on the funding bill despite vowing to block any deal without ACA tax credits. Stewart called the result “a world-class collapse,” saying Democrats lost bargaining power after election gains.

Stewart noted that the timing was ironic, days after the party’s best election night in years. He claimed that promised ACA subsidy votes are meaningless because Democrats do not control the Senate. Their deal allowed a December vote but did not guarantee House action. The extended subsidies millions depend on for affordable healthcare will expire at the end of the year unless action is taken.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously said his party would not fund government without healthcare credits. After breakaway votes, the agreement passed. Senators Tim Kaine and Jeanne Shaheen supported the deal despite promising to fight for subsidies, Stewart said. He said the move demoralized voters and weakened Democratic negotiating power.

Stewart said the deal didn’t satisfy Democrats. They “sold out the entire shutdown not to get what you wanted, but for a promise to not get it later.” He likened it to a team giving up a sure win in the final seconds.

Stewart’s analysis was sharp, but politics are complicated. After one of the longest government shutdowns in history, the Senate funding bill continues operations through January. Agriculture and Veterans Affairs receive full fiscal year funding. However, not linking subsidy extensions to the deal raises concerns about rising healthcare costs for millions of Americans early next year.

December’s promised vote follows. Democrats reached a healthcare subsidy vote agreement, but critics say it’s meaningless without Senate or House support. Stewart and other political observers question whether the outcome advances the Democratic agenda or delays the issue and leaves Americans uncertain about healthcare coverage.

Reopening the government prevents a crisis, but the Democratic Party’s strategy and public trust are questioned. Stewart’s rebuke shows a growing progressive belief that the party concedes when it matters most.

Sources
The Guardian
Yahoo News
AOL News