To prevent the latest government shutdown, Congress had to approve two separate packages of spending bills. The first passed the Republican-led House a few weeks ago, though it was members of the Democratic minority that provided more than 60% of the votes. Late last week, the second of the two packages of appropriations bills also cleared the GOP-led chamber, and this time, Democrats provided nearly two-thirds of the votes.
Two months later, again to prevent a government shutdown, Republicans also relied on Democratic votes. During the mid-November debate on that bill, Democratic Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois joked during floor remarks, “Next week, Americans will gather around their dinner tables and share what they’re thankful for. I hope my Republican colleagues will use that moment to reflect on how lucky you are to work with us House Democrats.