Last night, eight members of the U.S. Senate Democratic caucus — Senators Angus King (I–ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D–NV), Jacky Rosen (D–NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D–NH), Maggie Hassan (D–NH), Tim Kaine (D–VA), John Fetterman (D–PA), and Dick Durbin (D–IL) — abandoned their commitment to working families and joined Republicans in advancing a hollow compromise to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Progressive Maryland is outraged by this betrayal. After weeks of hardship for federal workers, families relying on SNAP, and millions whose health care is at risk, we needed bold leadership. Instead, these senators caved to an empty “promise” of a future vote, leaving health care subsidies, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits in jeopardy.

This so-called deal is a dangerous gamble with people’s lives. It provides no assurance that health care subsidies will be extended, leaving millions at risk of skyrocketing premiums or losing coverage altogether. Medicaid and SNAP benefits — lifelines for the most vulnerable among us — remain in limbo.

At a time when the nation needed courage, too many chose political convenience over conviction. Working people deserve leaders who will fight for their health, livelihoods, and dignity — not trade them away for short-term political convenience.

We call on every elected official who claims to stand with working families to prove it. Words are not enough. We demand action to secure health care protections, safeguard essential benefits, and ensure that no American is left behind in the name of political games. The stakes are too high for half-measures. Progressive Maryland will continue to hold every leader accountable — because the people deserve nothing less.

Thank you to our U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, who stood strong by voting no and speaking out clearly about the need to protect health care for working families and hold this administration accountable.