Maine U.S. Sen. Angus King says he’ll continue supporting a stopgap measure proposed by Republicans to open the government.

Speaking with the Portland Press Herald on Wednesday, the independent senator said he’s worried that a shutdown would accelerate the country’s “slide to authoritarianism.”

The comments came after Sen. King previously said he would consider changing his vote.

King said he agrees with Democrats’ demands to extend expanded subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, but that the shutdown is handing the president a “new weapon.”

Sen. King and Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted again Wednesday in favor of the temporary funding bill, which failed to pass.