A reported deal to end the ongoing government shutdown before Thanksgiving has sparked outrage among political analysts and progressive activists, who accuse Democratic lawmakers of surrendering to Republican demands.
According to a report from Axios on Sunday, as many as ten Democratic senators are considering supporting a proposal that would pass several short-term funding measures to keep the government open until January 2026. The deal also reportedly includes a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that expired when the government shutdown began in October.
The proposal quickly drew strong criticism from across the political spectrum, particularly from progressive voices who argue that Democrats are undermining their own leverage. Several prominent commentators took to social media to denounce the idea as political capitulation.
“Come on, don’t let all this be for nothing,” wrote Saikat Chakrabarti, a progressive activist running for Congress in Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s district. “People are going to get crushed by healthcare bills. Trump was literally on TV saying Republicans lost elections on Tuesday because of the shutdown. They are on the back foot. We have a chance to win actual relief for people! Why cave??”
Political commentator Keith Olbermann issued an even sharper warning to Senate Democrats. “Dear Democratic Senators: if you vote for this selling out of the ACA, it will be the end of your careers,” he posted. “Depend upon it. You are there to defend this country against Trump and the fascists, not collude with them. If you become Quislings, you will forever REMAIN Quislings.”
Independent journalist Sam Youngman expressed disbelief at the reported move. “Hard to believe that Cuomo supporter [Sen.] Chuck Schumer (D-NY) would sell out Democrats,” he wrote. Producer and writer Randi Mayem Singer criticized Schumer’s leadership, saying, “If only Chuck Schumer could be just 5% Mitch McConnell and not 100% Charlie Brown.”
Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, also voiced concern about the reported terms of the deal. “Chuck Schumer cannot agree to any deal that does not include, at a minimum, a one-year extension of the ACA credits,” Mayer wrote. “A pinky promise from [Sen.] John Thune (R-SD) is meaningless.”
While no Democratic lawmakers have confirmed their support for the proposal, the backlash highlights growing frustration among progressives who fear the party may lose political ground by compromising. With the Thanksgiving deadline approaching, party leaders are facing mounting pressure to reopen the government without alienating their base.