PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history has concluded, with Oregon’s two senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, playing pivotal roles.
The shutdown ended Wednesday after Senate Republicans secured the necessary votes to pass a funding bill, with support from seven Democrats and an independent.
However, Wyden and Merkley consistently voted against the bill, demanding an extension of health care subsidies for millions of Americans.
On this week’s segment of Your Voice, Your Vote, the senators explain how their efforts resulted in a promise from the Senate majority leader for a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, though no such commitment was made by the House.
The senators also spoke to KATU about efforts to reduce health care costs, and the upcoming House vote on the Epstein files.
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Watch the segment below or on KATU’s YouTube channel.