Senate Democrats who defected in shutdown vote: ‘This was the only deal’

Seven Democrats and an independent face fury over support to advance funding bill amid 40-day shutdown

After weeks of false starts and failed votes, the US Senate secured the 60 votes needed late Sunday night to pass a compromise continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government after seven Democrats and an independent sided with Republicans to support the measure to send it back to the House for another vote. The Democratic caucus has aimed anger at the defectors, who nonetheless branded their decision as being the best available option.

They were Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and independent Angus King of Maine who caucuses with the Democrats. Republican senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the sole member of his party to vote against the bill, which he has done for weeks.