Colorado’s congressional delegation remained sharply divided on Wednesday night as the U.S. House approved a bill to reopen the federal government following a historic 43-day shutdown.
The funding package, which passed 222–209, now heads to President Donald Trump for final approval.
GOP Supports Funding Bill, Democrats Cite Health Care Concerns
All four Republican House members from Colorado voted in favor of the measure. Meanwhile, the state’s four Democratic representatives opposed it, arguing that the bill fails to address the enhanced health care tax credits expiring at the end of the year.
These credits remain unresolved under the Senate compromise that ended the legislative stalemate earlier in the week.
Colorado Senators Also Oppose the Measure
Earlier, on Monday night, both of Colorado’s U.S. senators, Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, voted against the bill. They declined to join the eight Democrats who allowed the measure to advance in the Senate, which approved it 60–40.
Strong Reactions From Both Sides
Democratic Response
Rep. Jason Crow of Aurora criticized the agreement, saying Republicans and President Trump have created an “affordability crisis” for working families.
Crow argued that the bill would “make a bad situation worse” and deliver “a raw deal” to the American public.
Republican Response
Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican from Fort Lupton, accused Democrats of obstructing relief efforts, arguing that they “held the American people hostage” for 42 days by rejecting clean government funding bills.
Governor Jared Polis Urges Action on Health Care Credits
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, acknowledged that the funding package would provide needed relief across the state.
However, he pressed Congress to renew the enhanced premium tax credits, warning that failing to act could cause health insurance premiums to more than double, making coverage even harder for Coloradans to afford.
Breakdown of Colorado Delegation Votes
U.S. House Votes by District
- Diana DeGette (D-Denver, CD1): No
- Joe Neguse (D-Lafayette, CD2): No
- Jeff Hurd (R-Grand Junction, CD3): Yes
- Lauren Boebert (R-Windsor, CD4): Yes
- Jeff Crank (R-Colorado Springs, CD5): Yes
- Jason Crow (D-Aurora, CD6): No
- Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood, CD7): No
- Gabe Evans (R-Fort Lupton, CD8): Yes
U.S. Senate Votes
- Michael Bennet (D): No
- John Hickenlooper (D): No
Colorado’s congressional delegation remains deeply polarized as the federal government reopens after an unprecedented 43-day shutdown.
While Republicans supported the funding bill to restore federal operations, Democrats voiced concerns about unresolved health care tax credits and affordability issues.
With pressure mounting from state leaders like Gov. Jared Polis, the debate over renewing enhanced premium tax credits is likely to intensify as Congress faces the next round of negotiations.
