Political Divide Deepens as Government Shutdown Deal Sparks Controversy

A deal to end the record-long government shutdown has been struck, but it's not all smooth sailing for Democrats. Eight Senate Democrats joined forces with Republicans to push forward a plan to reopen the government. This agreement still needs final approval from the Senate, a nod from the House, and President Trump's signature to become law. The deal includes funding for several agencies until next fall and a temporary funding measure for the rest of the government until January 2026. It also ensures that food assistance programs will continue and prevents layoffs of federal workers. However, it doesn't extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, a major concession from Democrats. The eight Democrats who voted for the deal are all from the more moderate wing of the party. Interestingly, none of them will face voters in the 2026 midterm elections. This has sparked criticism from progressive activists and other Democratic lawmakers, who argue that the party is giving up momentum. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill soon. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has called on House Republicans to return to Washington. The House will also swear in a new representative, Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election last month. In other news, the Supreme Court has been busy. It rejected an attempt to overturn the 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The court also agreed to consider whether federal law bars states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. Additionally, the court seemed unlikely to allow a Rastafarian prisoner to sue officials who cut his dreadlocks, violating his religious rights.