Van Hollen, Alsobrooks to Vote Against Senate Funding Resolution as Government Inches Toward Reopening

November 10, 2025

Following an unprecedented 40-day government closure, a bipartisan Senate agreement has emerged to temporarily fund federal operations through January 30 of the following year, with provisions for a December vote on Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions. Maryland's two Democratic senators have announced their opposition to the funding measure, arguing it inadequately addresses anticipated healthcare cost increases for millions of Americans and lacks sufficient accountability measures for the Trump administration. Both senators express concern about federal workers who have endured financial hardship during the extended shutdown, particularly regarding guaranteed back pay and protections for government contractors.

Who is affected

Federal government workers (civil servants)
Federal contractors (maintenance, custodial, construction, and security workers)
Members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Millions of Americans with ACA healthcare subsidies
Maryland residents represented by Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks
Working families across the country facing healthcare affordability issues

What action is being taken

The Senate is working on a bipartisan deal to fund the government until January 30
Senator Van Hollen is voting against the funding resolution
Senator Alsobrooks is voting against the funding resolution
Senator Van Hollen is working to support federal workers and pass legislation guaranteeing back pay to federal contractors
AFGE and federal workers are calling for an end to the shutdown

Why it matters

This matters because the extended 40-day shutdown has caused severe financial hardship for federal workers who must continue working without pay while still meeting their financial obligations like mortgages, rent, and childcare. The funding resolution's failure to address impending healthcare cost increases threatens affordability for tens of millions of Americans who rely on ACA subsidies. Additionally, the lack of accountability measures in the bill could allow the administration to ignore the law and withhold funds for important priorities, undermining congressional authority and legal protections for federal workers.

What's next

A December vote is scheduled to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies
Senator Van Hollen will continue working to pass legislation guaranteeing back pay to federal contractors
Both Maryland senators plan to continue working toward a compromise funding agreement that addresses healthcare costs and includes proper accountability measures

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer