Democrats Criticize Trump as He Signs Bill Ending Government Shutdown, Call It 'Extreme Cruelty'
Washington, D.C., USA: The signing of the bill by President Donald Trump brought an end to the 43-day federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history.
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal voiced her strong opposition to the November 12 decision. Jayapal, who voted against the Continuing Resolution (CR) that ended the shutdown, said she would continue advocating for affordable healthcare—a key issue at the heart of the government impasse.
The legislation moved forward after the House of Representatives approved measures to restart essential federal services, pay federal employees, and restore the strained air-traffic control system.
The Republican-controlled House passed the bill 222–209. Despite intense Democratic opposition, President Trump’s support kept the Republican caucus unified.
Jayapal commented, “For 43 days, Democrats resisted to ensure Republicans would reverse harmful cuts and address skyrocketing healthcare costs. Millions of Americans faced doubled or tripled insurance premiums, nursing home closures, and slashed Medicaid and food assistance. The shutdown demonstrated extreme cruelty: denying basic nutrition to 42 million people and ignoring the continuation of Affordable Care Act tax credits.”
She added, “Health care is not a partisan issue—it impacts everyone. In the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should have to choose between buying food or receiving treatment, or between rent and lifesaving care.”
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam also opposed the bill, calling it “a package of empty promises.” He criticized the lack of provisions for lowering healthcare costs and safeguarding federal employees who endured months of uncertainty, firings, and disruption. Subramanyam also pointed to a clause he described as “kickbacks to a select group of Republican Senators,” calling it “plain corruption.”
Meanwhile, Representative Ami Bera welcomed the shutdown’s end but emphasized the need to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies before they expire at year’s end. He highlighted the hardships faced by families in Sacramento County, from SNAP recipients waiting in long lines at food banks to public workers laboring without pay. Bera signed a discharge petition to push for a three-year extension of these subsidies.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi also opposed the agreement, arguing it “dos not meet the basic standard for protecting Americans’ health care.” He noted that Illinois families are already burdened by rising costs, and the legislation offered no safeguards eagainst further premium increases.
