CONCORD, New Hampshire — Senator Jeanne Shaheen is facing criticism not only from Republicans but also from within her own family after voting to reopen the federal government. Shaheen, one of eight Democrats who sided with Republicans to end the 41-day government shutdown, has defended her decision as a necessary compromise to get negotiations moving again.
The bipartisan agreement passed the Senate on Monday and now heads to the House for a vote. But Shaheen’s daughter, Stefany Shaheen — a Democrat running for Congress — publicly opposed the same plan, saying it failed to guarantee a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. “Improving health care has been the cause of my life. It’s why I am running for Congress,” she said in a statement. “We need to both end this shutdown and extend the ACA tax credits. Otherwise, no deal.”
Senator Shaheen, who is not seeking reelection, said that while she strongly supports expanding health care, continued delay would “only prolong the pain Americans are feeling because of the shutdown.” Meanwhile, the New Hampshire GOP seized on the family divide. Party Chair Jim MacEachern accused Stefany Shaheen of “putting politics first” and claimed she “turned her back on the Granite State.” The split underscores how the prolonged shutdown and ongoing debate over health care have strained even close political alliances within New Hampshire’s Democratic ranks.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
