Newsom Rips Deal to End 40-Day Government Shutdown
*A very pissed off California Gov. Gavin Newsom is blasting a group of eight senators for backing a deal to end the longest U.S. government shutdown. He called their move a “surrender” and a “betrayal” of working Americans after the Senate voted 60-40 late Sunday. The deal funds the government through January 30, 2026, but left out Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy extensions—one of Democrats’ top demands.
In a series of heated posts on X, Newsom slammed the bipartisan vote as a loss for millions relying on healthcare protections. His attacks have sparked new tensions within the Democratic Party, with progressives siding with Newsom and moderates defending the vote.
Shutdown Took Heavy Toll on Americans
The shutdown began on October 1 and lasted 40 days, longer than the 35-day record in 2019. More than 1 million federal workers went without pay, while 42 million SNAP recipients faced service cuts. National parks closed, tax refunds paused, and air travel delays rippled across the country.
Democrats refused to approve a funding bill that cut ACA subsidies, calling it a Republican ploy to gut Obamacare. The subsidies were estimated to protect over 5 million people from losing coverage by 2034.
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‘Gang of 8’ Faces Backlash From the Left
Seven Senate Democrats and one Independent voted with Republicans to pass the stopgap deal. The group said the shutdown was causing real harm, but critics like Newsom accused them of folding too soon and giving up Democratic leverage.
Here’s who made up the so-called “Gang of 8”:
- Dick Durbin (D-IL): Senate Democratic Whip, a surprise defector who prioritized back pay for workers.
- Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): Co-negotiator, citing constituent pleas from New Hampshire’s federal-heavy economy.
- John Fetterman (D-PA): Apologized on X for the “failure” but voted yes for the 15th time to reopen, slamming the shutdown’s toll on military and SNAP recipients.
- Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV): Focused on Nevada’s tourism and veteran impacts.
- Maggie Hassan (D-NH): Co-negotiator, emphasizing rehiring laid-off staff with back pay.
- Tim Kaine (D-VA): Called for a “moratorium on punishing the federal workforce,” highlighting Virginia’s D.C. suburb reliance on government jobs.
- Jacky Rosen (D-NV): Echoed concerns for Vegas’s federal contractors.
- Angus King (I-ME): The lone Independent, arguing Democrats overplayed their hand by using the shutdown as “leverage.”
Newsom responded bluntly: “This isn’t a deal. It’s a surrender. Don’t bend the knee!” On Monday, he followed up with, “Tonight’s Senate vote… should have been a time for strength. Instead we saw capitulation and a betrayal of working Americans.”
Progressives Rally Behind Newsom’s Rebuke
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders joined Newsom in blasting the vote. “We were winning—polls showed it. This feels orchestrated,” AOC tweeted. Sanders called the deal a “giveaway to billionaires.”
The backlash has widened the divide between moderate Democrats and the party’s progressive wing. Activists online praised Newsom’s stance, fueling speculation he’s positioning for a 2028 presidential run.
Moderates Say Vote Helped Struggling Workers
Sen. John Fetterman apologized but said the shutdown had to end. “It should’ve never come to this,” he wrote on X, pointing to the impact on military families and low-income Americans.
Sens. Tim Kaine and Jeanne Shaheen defended their decision, emphasizing the need to restore pay and restart essential services. They believe Democrats will still get a December vote on ACA subsidies.
Shutdown Bill Still Faces Hurdles in the House
The Senate passed the bill, but House Democrats are pushing back. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed to oppose it unless it includes ACA subsidy protections. The bill now awaits a final vote and President Trump’s signature—or possible veto.
GOP hardliners like Sen. Rand Paul may also try to delay final passage. And with the government only funded through January, another shutdown could loom.
Newsom’s National Profile Grows Amid Party Divide
Newsom’s bold stance has boosted his national profile. He recently supported California’s Proposition 50, aimed at redistricting to help Democrats win more House seats in 2026. His sharp critique of moderates has many viewing him as a potential 2028 contender.
Whether his defiance rallies the base or fractures the party further is still unclear. As one viral post put it: “Newsom’s auditioning for the big chair—starting with the hot seat.”
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MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Bipartisan Deal Reached to End 40-Day Government Shutdown – But No ACA Funding | VIDEO
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