James McGovern

This story has been updated with additional information.

"I'll be voting hell no," U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, said in an X post Sunday night, Nov. 9, following news that a deal to move toward reopening the government had been reached by key members of the U.S. Senate.

By a 60-40 vote, the Senate on Nov. 9 advanced a deal that would end the longest government shutdown, now just shy of 41 days, after eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans in support.

McGovern urged Democrats in another X post not to vote for the plan saying, "it's not too late to STAND STRONG. Everyday people are counting on us to champion their concerns. Keep fighting! Don’t be a cheap date!"

In order for the government to reopen, the Senate will need to vote one more time and then the House will need to vote to approve the continuing resolution reopening the government through January.

As part of the deal, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, pledged to hold a vote in December on whether to extend tax subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which are due to expire Dec. 31.

Democrats have been pushing to permanently extend health insurance tax credits as a condition for reopening the government.

"Republicans are giving tax breaks to billionaires while healthcare premiums double & triple for regular people," McGovern said on X.

"Accepting a pinky promise to maybe have a vote on lowering healthcare costs is not a compromise. It's capitulation," McGovern said, explaining his plan to vote "No."

In an interview Nov. 10, McGovern reiterated that Thune's promise to hold a vote on health care subsidies was only a "pinky promise."

"I haven't heard [House Speaker Mike Johnson] say he'll bring up any votes," McGovern said.

McGovern said he has spoken to constituents, some whom he said plan to opt out of health insurance entirely due to rising costs. He said they will go from paying $270 a month to over $800, while one family that pays around $900 a month is expected to see that increase to over $2,000.

"This is ridiculous. He [Trump] finds $40 billion to bail out a right-wing, crazy man in Argentina, but can't find money for health care?" McGovern continued.

The Trump administration in October announced a $20 billion bailout for Argentina, whose president, Javier Milei, is a political ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later announced that support for Argentina would double to $40 billion.

"This is a big deal," McGovern said, referring to the proposal to end the government shutdown. "Most Democrats are going to vote 'No.' People are counting on us."

McGovern said he'll be on a train back to Washington, DC, early Nov. 11 in case the House Rules Committee meets, despite previously having plans to be in Worcester for Veterans Day.