Six weeks into the government shutdown and one week after my congressional internship has ended, eight Democrats broke from their party to advance a funding deal that they say is the only realistic path to reopening federal services and the government. They argue that the shutdown is doing real harm because many people are missing their paychecks, straining food assistance, and causing travel delays across the nation. They also explained that Congress needs to address a wide range of issues like ACA tax credits once the government reopens and is operating again.
Their move has sparked some frustration among progressives who believe that this decision has given up key leverage in negotiations. So the question is, what matters most right now? holding out for a stronger deal, or getting the government open as fast as possible?
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