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Senate Passes Bipartisan Spending Bill Amid Healthcare Criticism

11/13/2025

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Senate approved a bipartisan spending package 60-40, reinstating federal pay and funding through January 30, 2025.
The deal does not extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, a major Democratic concern.
House Speaker Mike Johnson aims for a swift House vote.
Critics including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker call it an empty promise.
Senator Bernie Sanders condemns the deal as the healthcare system remains broken and cruel.

History

Historical Context

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, signed into law by President Obama on December 26, aimed to restore fiscal stability after a prolonged government shutdown earlier that year. Negotiated by Representative Paul Ryan and Senator Patty Murray, it raised discretionary spending by $63 billion over two years while projecting a $23 billion deficit reduction, reflecting ongoing tensions between fiscal responsibility and social support.

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Story summary

The Senate approved a bipartisan spending package 60-40, reinstating federal pay and funding through January 30, 2025.
The deal does not extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, a major Democratic concern.
House Speaker Mike Johnson aims for a swift House vote.
Critics including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker call it an empty promise.
Senator Bernie Sanders condemns the deal as the healthcare system remains broken and cruel.

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