Several House Democrats defended progressive activists who are angry that eight Senate Democrats helped pass a GOP plan to reopen the government after more than 40 days of shutdown talks. The deal secured a promised mid‑December vote on expiring Obamacare subsidies but drew criticism as a concession. The shutdown is estimated to have cost $7–$14 billion and left about 1.4 million federal workers unpaid. Party infighting has prompted fundraising moves and sharp public criticism from both inside and outside the party.
Democrats’ Base ‘Rightfully’ Furious After Senators Back GOP to End Shutdown — ‘Porch Puppies’ Remark Draws Fire
Several House Democrats defended progressive activists who are angry that eight Senate Democrats helped pass a GOP plan to reopen the government after more than 40 days of shutdown talks. The deal secured a promised mid‑December vote on expiring Obamacare subsidies but drew criticism as a concession. The shutdown is estimated to have cost $7–$14 billion and left about 1.4 million federal workers unpaid. Party infighting has prompted fundraising moves and sharp public criticism from both inside and outside the party.
09:20 AM, 11/16/2025Politics
Democratic infighting as party leaders agree to reopen government
A small group of House Democrats defended the party’s farther‑left activists after eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans to pass a short‑term budget deal that ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The concessions included a pledged mid‑December vote on whether to extend Obamacare subsidies that expire at year‑end.
“I think they are rightfully disappointed. At the end of the day, we took on this fight for more than 40 days to make healthcare more affordable — one of our primary goals — and to see us give in now at the end is incredibly frustrating and disappointing for me as well,” Rep. Shomari Figures (D‑Ala.) told Fox News Digital on the Capitol steps following the shutdown, which independent estimates place between $7 billion and $14 billion in costs.
“We needed to stay fighting,” Rep. Shri Thanedar said. “The stronger our resolve to fight, the more successful we would have been. But it looked like there were always some people in the U.S. Senate who were never on board to continue this fight.”
After weeks of stalemate, eight Senate Democrats provided the votes that allowed a GOP budget measure to pass, reopening government through the end of January. In return, Democrats secured several commitments, including a promised mid‑December vote on extending health‑care subsidies set to expire at year‑end.
“We had a moment when we needed fighters. We need people to be here and stand up and lay it on the line,” Figures added. “As we say in Alabama, we need big dogs right now. We don’t need porch puppies. If you’re not here for this fight — if you’re not willing to be engaged and to lay it on the line for people who are counting on us — then you need to reconsider it.”
Following passage of the budget and the end of the shutdown — which left roughly 1.4 million federal employees unpaid, according to the largest union representing federal workers — Rep. Ro Khanna was reported by Politico to be fundraising off the discontent within the Democratic coalition.
“A lot of people are rightfully concerned about skyrocketing health care costs,” Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D‑Md.) told Fox News Digital, adding that she could not “speak for the base” when asked about their anger at party leaders. Elfreth also pointed to rising housing and grocery costs as key voter concerns ahead of the holidays.
The House Progressive Caucus, in a letter led by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D‑Minn.), condemned the deal, arguing it fails to prevent higher premiums or protect coverage. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee likewise urged lawmakers to hold Republicans accountable for the shutdown’s consequences.
Outside reactions and political fallout
The intra‑party dispute has drawn attention beyond Democratic circles. “Now the knives are out for him,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News’ Jesse Waters. Commentators have described the party as grappling with serious ideological divisions.
Josh Holmes, co‑host of the “RUTHLESS” podcast, said, “The Democratic Party is entirely shattered in this ideological battle that they’re having. I think it continues for quite some time.”
The split underscores growing tension between pragmatic compromises to govern in the short term and progressive demands for bolder policy wins on health care and cost‑of‑living issues.