Moderate Democratic Senators "Defect" to Facilitate Vote Passage, Multiple Democrats Urge Colleagues to Stand Firm

BlockBeats News, November 10, according to the Associated Press, although New York Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, along with most Democratic senators, voted against it, some moderate Democrats "defected," resulting in the Senate's procedural vote on "ending the government shutdown" being passed.

The report stated that moderates had originally expected more Democrats to stand with them, as 10 to 12 Democratic senators participated in the negotiations. However, in the end, only five Democrats changed their voting stance—exactly the number of votes Republicans needed. On Sunday night, the vote was temporarily delayed because three conservative Republican senators, who frequently criticize spending bills, refused to vote and were seen discussing with Senator Thune at the back of the chamber. However, after speaking with Trump, they ultimately voted in favor.

It is reported that after more than two hours of discussion among Democrats, Schumer said he could not "in good conscience" support the proposal. Vermont independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who attends caucus meetings with Democrats, said that giving up the fight was a "terrible mistake." Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy agreed, saying that in last week's election, people overwhelmingly voted for Democrats "to urge Democrats to stand firm."

The report pointed out that Democrats had voted 14 times against reopening the government, demanding an extension of tax credits under the Affordable Care Act to reduce healthcare costs. Republicans stated they would not negotiate on healthcare reform, but as the framework of the agreement gradually emerged, Republican leaders had been secretly working with moderates.