Hakeem Jeffries Moves to Block GOP Bill to End Shutdown, Drawing Bipartisan Pushback
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Sunday that he would oppose a GOP-supported spending bill designed to reopen the federal government. This bill had passed the Senate with bipartisan support, garnering a 60-40 vote, and could have ended the ongoing shutdown that began on November 1.
Jeffries’ decision comes despite backing from eight Senate Democrats who crossed party lines to support the 31-page legislative package. This bill aims to restore funding for critical federal operations through January 30, 2026. His opposition could delay quicker passage in the House, risking an extension of the shutdown that has already caused significant disruptions nationwide, affecting air travel and leaving millions with reduced access to nutritional support.
This proposal includes necessary funding for the Department of Agriculture, a partial restoration of programs like SNAP, and a freeze on federal worker terminations during the shutdown. The bill surpassed the Senate filibuster threshold with support primarily from moderate Democrats and nearly all Republicans except for 12.
Speaking to reporters, Jeffries emphasized his commitment to “fight on” against what he described as a partisan Republican initiative. He criticized this initiative for ignoring healthcare protections and failing to provide a lasting solution. His stance has frustrated some members within his own Democratic caucus and opened him up to sharp criticism from Republicans, with one viral tweet labeling him “Chuck E. Cheese Obama” and accusing him of undermining American workers and military personnel.
The consequences of this standoff are becoming increasingly apparent. Since the shutdown commenced, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reduced flight capacity by up to 10% at major airports due to staff furloughs and budget uncertainties, leading to over 3,000 flight cancellations in just three days—the worst figures seen in recent memory.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that “air traffic in the US could slow to a trickle” if the impasse persists through the critical Thanksgiving travel season. On just one day over the weekend, more than 2,000 flights were canceled amid widespread delays, as reported by FAA and industry data.
While some Americans may see this impasse as merely another political disagreement, the impact resonates deeply across various sectors. Over 42 million individuals, including 16 million children, veterans, and seniors, depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Since the shutdown began, SNAP benefits have been halted, and although a federal judge ordered full distributions to resume, logistical hurdles caused by the lack of funding remain significant. Food banks in cities such as Washington, D.C., are reporting a spike in demand, with requests for meals increasing by over 20% within two weeks. “We’re seeing families we never saw before,” said a manager at the Capital Area Food Bank.
Kevin Hassett, the White House’s chief economic adviser, spoke about the economic damage, indicating that it “is far worse than we expected.” He added that if the government reopens soon, there could be a significant recovery—though that optimism dims with each passing day of inaction.
The Senate proposal was meant to serve as a stopgap, providing funding for essential departments yet postponing debates on longer-term issues such as healthcare subsidies. Even progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, despite vehemently opposing the bill due to the lack of immediate reforms, acknowledged the necessity to bring federal services back online. He deemed the bill a “horrific mistake,” but refrained from blocking it in the Senate, highlighting the complexity of today’s political landscape.
Jeffries currently stands almost alone among leading Democrats, choosing opposition over compromise. His stance reflects a coalition of House progressives advocating for firm healthcare protections and extended tax credits for working families. Critics from the Republican side argue that blocking the Senate’s bipartisan solution is tantamount to pandering to the party’s ideological extremes.
President Donald Trump, expressing cautious optimism, stated on Sunday evening that it appears “we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,” commending the Senate vote and urging rapid action from the House. He has refrained from directly attacking Jeffries but has called on House Democrats to prioritize the nation’s interests and pass the bill.
While moderate Democrats in the Senate seek swift action, their counterparts in the House are standing firm. The House is not anticipated to address the Senate bill before mid-week, granting both parties time to rally votes or propose amendments. However, with government workers poised to miss another paycheck on Friday, and the holiday travel season imminent, stagnation in the House signals uncertainty for countless Americans reliant on federal services.
Duffy encapsulated the gravity of the situation: “If you think this is bad, wait until 3 million people try getting through airports with 10% fewer controllers. It’s not politics anymore. It’s logistics.”
The longer Jeffries and other House Democrats resist the Senate-approved bill, the more severe the fallout appears to be. Airlines anticipate financial losses during Thanksgiving, food assistance organizations brace for further shortages, and federal employees are left without pay—some forced to seek short-term loans or forgo medical care.
As of now, Jeffries’ office has not indicated whether any potential compromise may be on the table before the end of the year. His refusal to endorse the bill not only puts him at odds with Republicans but also with an increasing number of members within his own party. This continued opposition leaves the door open for an extended shutdown, with real implications for families, businesses, and fundamental services across the nation.
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