Schumer wanted to keep fighting for political reasons. Shaheen and crew wanted the deal because the shutdown had become pointless as there was no ACA deal to be had with Republicans. In my book they were both right. Schumer for wanting the fight and Shaheen for sticking to reality.

Like I wrote, it’s Senate-brain logic: *what if we’re not opponents, but instead colleagues who all want what’s best for the American people?*

Are the “Republicans who are going to join [Dems] in trying to address healthcare costs” in the room with you right now, senator?

The only silver lining: when Republicans inevitably vote down ACA subsidies, it’ll be clear who fought to protect Americans’ healthcare—and who didn’t. Democrats gave them the rope. Now we’ll see if the GOP uses it to finish the job.

In exchange, they got a promise for a symbolic vote on restoring ACA subsidies—one that will easily fail in the Senate and never even see the light of day in Mike Johnson’s House. That’s not a win. That’s window dressing.

Because republicans are cruel people.

I suppose getting them on the record is better than nothing.

But it all feels for naught.

You squander everything you stand for.

And all for what? A pinky promise to hold a vote on ACA funding that will not pass, and even I’d it does the House won’t vote for it, and I’d is they did this President won’t sign it!

You’ve given everything away for NOTHING.