Government Shutdown Enters 28th Day Amid GOP, Democratic Standoff Over Health Costs

The ongoing government shutdown has intensified concerns about rising health insurance premiums, with Democrats blaming Republicans for refusing to negotiate on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that prevent these increases. Senator Patty Murray and Senator Ruben Gallego criticized Republicans for not engaging in good faith talks, highlighting the potential for premiums to double or more, and emphasizing the urgency as open enrollment approaches. Democrats have declined calls from the federal workers union to accept a "clean" funding bill, insisting that reopening the government must include bipartisan negotiations that protect healthcare costs. Meanwhile, GOP leaders have seen a slight boost in political approval during the shutdown, complicating efforts to end the stalemate. Gallego expressed skepticism about trusting Republicans given past unfulfilled promises and stressed the critical need to secure ACA subsidies before 2026 insurance rates are set. The shutdown continues to leave hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid and pressures lawmakers to resolve the impasse promptly.