Post Reports Why some Democrats defected to end the shutdown
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Nov 10, 2025 
Liz Goodwin, a national political reporter for The Washington Post with a focus on congressional politics, joins the discussion on the recent government shutdown. She explains why a faction of Senate Democrats voted with Republicans to restart the government and the implications of this compromise. Goodwin highlights the failed negotiations over ACA subsidies and the growing divide within the Democratic Party, as well as the political risks facing Republicans amid this crisis. The fallout from these decisions could reshape future negotiations.
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Short-Term Funding, Not A Fix
- The bipartisan measure only funds the government through January, not a long-term solution.
- Many core services like SNAP and air traffic control would be temporarily restored but face another fight later.
ACA Subsidies Demand Fell Short
- Democrats demanded extension of ACA subsidies to keep insurance affordable but won no guarantees.
- Republicans refused to negotiate that before reopening the government, leaving only a vote promise.
Insist On Deals, Not Just Votes
- Get a binding agreement, not just a vote, when leveraging a shutdown for policy wins.
- A promised vote offers no assurance of the outcome you seek.