Washington, D.C. — The House of Representatives is set to vote on legislation aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, as rising anger among Democrats mounts over a Senate-approved plan that fails to extend crucial healthcare subsidies.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called lawmakers back to Washington after a prolonged recess of more than 50 days, a period that has seen significant disruptions for federal workers and the services they provide. On Monday, a faction of Senate Democrats broke ranks with their party, partnering with Republicans to push through a temporary funding bill that would keep the government operational until the end of January. However, the absence of tax credit extensions sparked outrage among Democrats, some of whom accused their colleagues of betrayal, even demanding the resignation of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

While nearly all Republicans supported the Senate measure, one exception was Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Moderate Democrats, some just re-elected and others nearing the end of their terms, also voted in favor of the compromise. The impending House vote, occurring on the 42nd day of the shutdown, reflects growing frustration as furloughed workers go without paychecks, food assistance for millions remains at risk, and airlines warn of ongoing travel disruptions.

On Tuesday evening, the House Rules Committee, divided along party lines, approved the Senate package in a vote of 8-4, clearing the way for a full House consideration. During discussions, Democratic committee members voiced their discontent regarding the Republican absence from D.C. throughout the shutdown. “Where have you been?” demanded Jim McGovern, the panel’s top Democrat, who criticized his colleagues for not addressing the crisis sooner.

In response, committee chair Virginia Foxx attributed the shutdown to Democrats’ refusal to negotiate effectively and characterized their efforts as ultimately fruitless. She noted that, although they could not secure an extension for healthcare subsidies, the renegade senators managed to obtain a commitment for a mid-December vote on the tax credit extension from Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

If the subsidies are allowed to lapse, millions of Americans may face significant increases in healthcare premiums or the potential loss of their marketplace coverage. The short-term funding legislation would maintain government operations at current levels through January 2026 while also providing extended support for key programs run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, USDA, and FDA. It aims to halt large-scale federal layoffs and restore pay for employees affected by the shutdown.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed strong opposition to the proposed bill, stating his expectation that House Democrats would largely reject the measure. Jeffries, alongside other Democratic lawmakers, proposed an amendment to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for an additional three years, but this amendment was dismissed by the Republican-led committee.

“This refusal to provide healthcare assistance during a cost-of-living crisis is deeply troubling,” Jeffries said. “The healthcare affordability for families across the United States is at risk.”

With a narrow majority, Speaker Johnson can afford only two dissenting votes for the bill to pass. Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie is expected to oppose it, but GOP leaders are optimistic that the legislation will secure enough support to send to the President for approval.

Speaking at a Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery, former President Trump praised Johnson, calling the Senate bill a “substantial victory.” He expressed his belief that the country should have never been shut down and emphasized the importance of reopening government fully.