BREAKING: The Connecticut congressional delegation has officially rejected a funding package aimed at ending the 43-day government shutdown, citing a lack of health care subsidies as a critical issue. The House convened on November 15, 2025, following a nearly two-month recess, but all five Connecticut representatives voted against the measure.
Connecticut’s delegation joined the majority of House Democrats in opposing the deal, which they argued failed to guarantee the extension of enhanced premium subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. These subsidies, crucial for many constituents enrolled in Access Health CT, are set to expire on December 31. Without Congressional action, thousands may face skyrocketing health insurance premiums next year.
UPDATE: The deal, which passed with a narrow margin of 222-209, does include provisions for back pay for furloughed federal workers and reverses prior layoffs, but it has sparked outrage among Connecticut lawmakers.
“The whole exercise was pointless, it was wrong, it was cruel,” stated House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., emphasizing the disruption caused by the shutdown, including airline delays and missed paychecks for federal workers.
House Democrats are now mobilizing for a last-ditch effort to extend the health care subsidies using a rarely employed discharge petition, which requires 218 signatures to force a vote. This strategy hinges on gaining support from some moderate Republicans, a challenging task given the political climate.
While Senate Republican leaders have promised to hold a vote on the enhanced subsidies by the second week of December, the outcome remains uncertain. Democrats believe that their recent electoral victories give them momentum as they continue to advocate for their constituents’ needs.
U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5th District, expressed determination: “I don’t think we can concede defeat just based on what [House Speaker] Mike Johnson is going to do. We have to keep fighting for what the American people need.”
In addition to health care concerns, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, highlighted the absence of necessary funding for the Columbia-class submarine program, which was notably omitted from the recent negotiations. The lack of this funding is alarming, particularly as the Navy prioritizes its production amid concerns over aging vessels.
With another funding deadline looming on January 30, lawmakers face a precarious situation as they attempt to prevent another shutdown. Connecticut’s Democrats are adamant about pushing for an extension of health care subsidies, vowing to continue their efforts in the face of potential failure.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, voiced frustration over the time lost during the lengthy House recess: “Fifty-four days, we could have been working on appropriations bills. We have nine more bills to go.” As negotiations resume, the urgency to act is palpable.
As the clock ticks down to the end of December, the stakes could not be higher for Connecticut residents relying on health care subsidies. Lawmakers are racing against time to secure necessary funding and prevent another government shutdown.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops. The urgency of health care and funding issues remains a top priority for Connecticut’s congressional delegation.
