Democratic Sen. Murphy says capitulating to end shutdown was 'a mistake' [View all]

Source: ABC News

November 16, 2025, 11:23 AM


Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said it was "a mistake" for the eight Senate Democrats who broke ranks to make a deal with Republicans to end the government shutdown without an extension on Obamacare subsidies.

"I thought it was a mistake for Democrats to give up what was real political advantage coming off the election that could have allowed us to reduce these premiums? And I thought we had a real shot to get a continuing resolution passed that would have lowered prices for people," Murphy told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl.

With the federal government back open, roughly 42 million people will see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits returned, but approximately 20 million people will see their health insurance premiums skyrocket due to no compromise on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

Murphy claimed that his party will "lose this democracy" if they continue to allow Republicans ‘to cleave off' Democrats.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/democratic-sen-murphy-caving-end-shutdown-mistake/story?id=127568958