Retiring Sen. Dick Durbin sides with GOP to reopen government without extending ACA subsidies

WASHINGTON (WLS) -- Democratic members of Illinois' Congressional delegation are not pleased with their colleague, Sen. Dick Durbin, after he sided with Republicans to reopen the government without extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Just 10 days ago, Durbin held a news conference warning Americans about ACA premiums that may double or triple if Congress does not vote to extend health care subsides eliminated by the Trump administration.

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"We believe that we need to act on this now. It's an emergency situation for many families," Durbin said.

The ACA has been at the center of the government shutdown. Durbin previously supported his political party's position to open the government only if Republicans agree to negotiate a deal to extend ACA subsidies. But now, Durbin has changed his tune.

"After a record government shutdown of 41 days and 14 roll calls failing to reopen, the situation was clear," Durbin said.

Durbin says the situation was clear that Republicans were not going to budge, so he, along with seven other senators, broke ranks and are supporting a measure that fully funds SNAP, veterans' benefits, and reverses President Donald Trump's mass firings during the shutdown. But the bill does not include ACA subsidies.

"Caving in to people that lie viciously to you isn't the way that we're going to be able to make sure that people are eating and that people are able to keep their health care," said Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, who represents Illinois' 3rd Congressional District.

Many Illinois Democrats are furious at Durbin and others who sided with Republicans. They plan to vote "no" when the bill goes to the House.

Senate Republican Leader John Thune promised Durbin an opportunity to vote on the ACA in December. House Democrats doubt it will happen.

"So, taking Thune at his word is a fool's errand. But even if you, even if he delivers on that promise, the House has no obligation to bring it up, and Johnson has been very clear that he's not going to bring it up," said Democratic Rep. Sean Casten, who represents Illinois' 6th Congressional District.

In a short speech on the Senate floor on Monday, Durbin explained why using the indefinite government shutdown to protest the policies of the Trump administration had to end.

"I share their opinions of this administration but cannot accept a strategy that wages political battles at the expense of my neighbors' paychecks or food for their children," Durbin said.

If all goes well for Republicans, the government may reopen before the end of the week. But the agreement only funds the government until the end of January, which could mean another shutdown.

Durbin will not seek reelection in 2026.