Eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus defied their party leadership to vote in favor of reopening the federal government, breaking a partisan impasse that had caused widespread pain for Americans.
The group, consisting of former governors and swing-state senators, played a key role in negotiating a deal with Republicans that included a promise to schedule a vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits. These credits were central to the shutdown dispute and were seen as essential by many Democrats who represented states heavily reliant on federal aid programs.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/09/senate-democrats-shutdown-vote-00644146