In order to vote in favor of legislation to reopen the government that does not include the only progressive sticking point — continuation of ACA tax credits — Sen. Angus King must know something that I don’t.

I know that those tax credits are hugely popular, that without them millions of Americans will lose health care, and that millions more will face skyrocketing insurance premiums.

I know that the Democrats — while the government shutdown standoff was ongoing — experienced widespread electoral wins, signaling strong support for their position.

I know that the pain many Americans are feeling — due to the uncertainty around SNAP funding, due to delays caused by a reduced government workforce, due to the additional costs tariffs are adding to all of our budgets — come squarely from decisions made by the Trump administration.

And, I know that I would have preferred Democrats, and those like Sen. King, who caucuses with them, to hold fast for the single logical, popular, concession they had asked for.

So, what does Sen. Angus King know that I don’t?

Brett Willis
Falmouth