Alabama’s Sewell Rejects Compromise On Federal Spending

It is day 41 of the U.S. government shutdown and West Alabama Democrat Congresswoman Terri Sewell vows to vote "no" on Sunday night's U.S. Senate compromise legislation that would reopen government until at least the end of January.

'I've been clear from the very beginning that I will not support a budget that raises healthcare costs for millions of Americans," the 7th District representative stated in a Facebook post today. "This so-called deal is not a deal in my opinion. It's an empty promise from Republicans to help solve the healthcare crisis that they caused."

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It is unclear when the Senate will hold final votes on the bill but already House Democrats like Sewell are voicing opposition. If the senate gives final approval, the legislation will still need to clear the House and be signed by the president before the government could reopen. Speaker Mike Johnson urged lawmakers to start returning to Washington “right now” given travel delays, but he said he would issue an official notice for the House’s return once the Senate gives final passage to the legislation.

Healthcare is the main sticking point with Democrats in the lower chamber and most in the upper chamber as well. Sewell noted the compromise that brought eight Democrat Senators to vote with Republicans Sunday night does not accomplish her party's goal.  "It does nothing to expand ACA (Affordable Care Act) tax credits that help my constituents (in West Alabama) afford healthcare."

In reaction to the compromise bill, House Minority Leader Hakeen Jefferies joined Sewell in opposition. He vowed members of his party in the house will continue to oppose the spending package.

Sewell took a shot at the Senate Democrats who joined the GOP in last night's 60-40 vote. She said some of her party colleagues in the senate think Republicans are open to negotiating on healthcare once the government reopens. "I don't trust them" the eight-term congresswoman added.

The Selma native did say if Republicans do not hold up their end of the bargain, "They will be responsible for skyrocketing healthcare premiums and costs for millions of Americans. We have to hold them accountable."

Both Alabama senators, Britt and Tuberville, voted for the compromise legislation. If the bill makes it to the house, Sewell and 2nd District Congressman Shomari Figures, both Democrats, are expected to be the only members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation to vote no.

If the bill does pass both chambers of congress, President Trump still has not said if he will sign it into law.