Stephanie Ruhle: 'Could reopening the government be a win for Democrats?'

Government Shutdown & Funding Deal - The US government is potentially reopening after a historic 40-day shutdown, with the Senate voting on a funding deal to fund the government at existing levels through January 30th [1][2] - The agreement includes approving three full-year appropriation bills for certain agencies and reversing shutdown-related layoffs of federal workers [2] - The deal does not extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, which was the main issue Democrats initially shut down the government over [2] - The House is expected to vote on the bill as soon as Wednesday, and it would then need to be signed by President Trump [6] - The current shutdown is the longest in US history, and there is urgency to get the bill to President Trump's desk [10] Political Implications - Democrats are divided over the deal, with some facing calls to resign [6] - Democrats believe that healthcare and government functionality are issues that will be stronger for them politically in the 2026 midterm elections [14][15] - Polls suggest that voters were willing to blame Republicans and/or President Trump for the shutdown, even though Democrats initiated it [15] - Republicans feel they won on the substance of the deal, as Democrats did not get anything for the shutdown [18] - Democrats are seen as fighting for healthcare, government workers, and the poor, while Republicans and Donald Trump are seen as willing to let people go hungry [21][22] Epstein Files & House Procedures - The reopening of the government could lead to renewed focus on the Epstein files [24] - Congresswoman-elect Adalita Graalva is expected to be sworn in and sign the discharge petition to release the Epstein files [25][26] - A vote on releasing the Epstein files may not occur until early December due to procedural rules and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday [27] - The Speaker of the House has kept the House out of session since September 19th, allegedly to protect Donald Trump [30]