Government funding bills are turned down by the Senate, heightening the risk of a shutdown on October 1.
The stage is set for a potential government shutdown, with both Democrats and Republicans digging their heels in over a contentious health care dispute.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has made it clear that the Democrats are working to protect the health care of the American people. In a bold move, they have opposed the continuing resolution, aiming to keep the Affordable Care Act's tax credits for low- and middle-income people alive. These credits are set to expire unless Congress takes action, and a big increase in premiums for millions of Americans is expected if they do.
On the other side of the aisle, Republicans control the White House and both branches of Congress. President Donald Trump has urged House Republicans to pass the bill, putting the onus on Democrats to oppose it. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has repeatedly threatened a shutdown if health care isn't addressed.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Sen. Angus King have voiced concerns about the potential impact of the health insurance situation on millions of people, particularly in red states. Sen. Baldwin has pointed out the president's signal for a shutdown, as he has urged not to talk to Democrats.
The House earlier in the day passed the Republican-led funding bill, but the Senate measure to finance federal agencies for a few weeks was rejected by party leaders. The specific party leaders who rejected it are not explicitly named in the provided search results.
Democrats are watching Schumer closely after his last-minute decision in March to vote with Republicans to keep the government open. This decision has raised questions about the Democrats' commitment to their stance on health care.
In a strategic move, House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged fellow Republicans to vote for the funding patch. GOP members see a chance to portray the Democrats as responsible for a shutdown. Johnson has also discussed the possibility of Republicans staying back in their home districts through the rest of September, potentially forcing the Senate to approve the House-passed measure or risk a shutdown.
The Democratic proposal would extend enhanced health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year and would reverse Medicaid cuts that were included in Republicans' big tax breaks and spending cuts bill enacted earlier this year. This measure gives Democrats a way to show voters their focus on cutting health care costs.
However, Republicans have argued that the tax credit issue can be dealt with later this year. Senators could potentially leave town until Sept. 29, one day before the shutdown deadline, adding to the tension.
The vote in the House was 217-212, with Rep. Jared Golden of Maine being the lone Democratic member to support the bill. The Senate is expected to take up the House-passed measure and the Democratic counter, but it remains to be seen if they will garner the 60 votes needed for passage.
As the clock ticks down, both parties are under pressure to find a solution that addresses the health care needs of the American people while avoiding a government shutdown. The stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain.
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