DENVER (KDVR) — A 40-day government shutdown is set to end, with moderate Democrats approving a tentative deal to reopen the government.
The shutdown left federal employees weeks without pay, food aid was halted, flights were canceled and delayed across the country, and many federal employees lost their jobs.
New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan and Maine Sen. Angus King said they would vote to reopen the economy if the Senate passes three annual spending bills and extends the rest of government funding through January.
Many Colorado Democrats remain opposed to reopening the government, citing ongoing concerns surrounding health care.
Colorado officials released statements in response to the prospective deal.
Senator Michael Bennet
“Instead of putting forward a plan to extend tax credits for health care premiums, President Trump and Republicans in Washington have once again chosen to make it harder for ordinary Americans to purchase health care for themselves and their families. As a result, I will vote against their funding proposal.”
“If Congress fails to extend the tax credits now, millions of Americans, and more than 280,000 Coloradans, will see their health care premiums double, triple, or even quadruple.
“Colorado families already face high costs for everything from housing to child care to groceries. We must reopen the government, but I refuse to do so at the expense of families who are simply trying to pay for health care. Coloradans deserve better.”
Senator John Hickenlooper
“Coloradans want less expensive, more affordable health care. Today’s bills fail to address rising health care premiums caused by the Republican ‘big bad bill.’ So I voted no.”
“Every Democrat in the Senate believes every American should have health care, but Republicans have refused to come to the table and work to address the health care crisis.
“We will continue to fight every day for universal health care until every American has coverage.”
Representative Gabe Evans
“Democrats are inflicting pain on the American people. Federal law enforcement, air traffic control, and other federal employees work tirelessly without pay. Millions are suffering across the United States. But remember – this is their ‘leverage.'”
Rep. Jason Crow
“I strongly reject this ‘deal’. I am no longer taking promises from Trump or Republicans in Congress. I am not a fool. My constituents deserve enforceable guarantees on their health care and our democracy. Come back to me when you are serious.”
Rep. Joe Neguse
“I will vote no.”
Representative Brittany Petersen
“This is not a deal. This does nothing to address the high health care costs facing American families, and I will never trust a ‘promise’ to vote on the Affordable Care Act later from Republicans. While I join you all in profound disappointment, this fight is far from over.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
“It’s hard to believe that a group of Democrats in the Senate are willing to take an empty promise and risk millions of people losing access to health care. We need Democrats who can stand our ground and fight for what we believe in. And we need a Congress that can get serious.”
Many Colorado Republicans have yet to make a public statement about the potential deal.
The Senate vote is still underway.