Illinois Democrats criticize shutdown deal Durbin supported
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Sen. Dick Durbin speaks at a news conference in October. Photo: Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is feeling the heat from fellow Democrats for being one of the eight senators who crossed the aisle to vote to end the longest government shutdown in the country's history.
Why it matters: Democrats were holding out for an extension of ACA health care subsidies, which are not included in the framework of the legislation designed to end the shutdown.
What they're saying: "This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce their (Republicans) shutdown's hurt," Durbin said in a statement, pointing out that the new deal includes full SNAP funding, hiring back furloughed federal employees and a promise to negotiate on health care subsidies before they expire in January.
Reality check: A vote on the ACA subsidies is not guaranteed.
- "This is not a deal — it's an empty promise," Gov. JB Pritzker said on social media.
The big picture: The 80-year-old is a powerful politician, having served in the Senate since 1996, and is the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the chamber.
- He's not running for reelection, making the vote less risky, but his decision is being criticized.
Zoom in: Three Democrats hoping to replace Durbin are against the deal.
- "For Democrats to cave now would be a complete betrayal of the American people," Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a statement.
- "We cannot trust Donald Trump. This proposed deal resting on delayed votes and empty promises fails to help Illinois families," Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said Sunday night.
- "I am prepared to stand with House Democrats and fight for the American people," Rep. Robin Kelly said in a statement.
The other side: Illinois' other senator, Tammy Duckworth, voted against the measure, saying in a statement, "This is the time to keep fighting to bring costs down and protect the American people."
The bottom line: Durbin has spent five decades representing Illinois in Congress, but it's one of his last votes that could be the headline for his legacy.