Intensifying government shutdown apprehensions emerge, as Democrats display steadfast commitment to veto GOP's proposed budget bill
The government faces a funding deadline on September 30, and the stakes are high as Democrats and Republicans engage in a standoff over several contentious issues. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic leaders are withholding their votes until Republicans reverse some of their most controversial actions, such as Medicaid cuts in Trump's massive domestic policy law and moves to undermine Congress' spending powers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has predicted that a shutdown could occur if Schumer blocks the continuing resolution, known as a CR. So far, no Democrats have publicly indicated readiness to support the Republicans' stopgap bill in the Senate. However, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is the only Democrat to have stated that he will buck his party to back the GOP funding bill.
Republican leaders insist that Democrats need to accept their current plan, which includes status-quo funding through late November. To entice Schumer, they're advancing a straight extension of government funding until November 21 - without poison pills - and including another $30 million to bolster security measures for lawmakers.
However, Democrats have made a new demand to extend Obamacare subsidies for approximately 22 million Americans, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. If it passes the House, then Schumer and Senate Democrats are signaling they're ready to filibuster it.
The GOP argues that their bill would fund the government at levels set by former President Joe Biden that Democrats have already supported. However, many conservatives are opposed to this plan, viewing it as an expensive government handout. Republicans like Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio and Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado have expressed fierce opposition to this demand, predicting it would not pass the House.
GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio made a private pitch to House Republicans to support the bill, calling it a 'common sense' move for Trump's agenda. Democrats believe they will win the messaging war over a potential government shutdown, with Sen. Fetterman warning that shutting down the government would be akin to 'mutilating our nation.'
Schumer wants to make clear there's no daylight between him and his House counterpart, Hakeem Jeffries, after their split during the spring spending fight. President Donald Trump and GOP leaders need the support of at least seven Senate Democrats to break a filibuster to keep the government open past September 30. Failing to extend these subsidies could lead to voter anger with millions paying more for health care.
As the deadline approaches, both parties are digging in, with no signs of giving in. The future of government funding remains uncertain, and the stakes are high for millions of Americans who rely on government services.
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