Shutdown Enters Sixth Day Amid Blame

A partial federal government shutdown entered its sixth day as House Speaker Mike Johnson said “the House has done its job,” blamed Senate Democrats for blocking a clean continuing resolution, and refused a House Democrats’ floor‑debate challenge. President Trump has blamed Democrats and said layoffs are already occurring, while analysts warn the standoff could become protracted as furloughs and service disruptions spread. At the center are Democratic demands to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and Republican insistence on a clean short‑term funding bill, leaving negotiations focused on the Senate. Reports emerged that some Department of Education employees’ out‑of‑office messages were changed to blame Democrats, raising concerns about compelled partisan messaging by the administration. With many House members away from Washington and both parties holding daily briefings to shift blame, moderates privately warn the political risks of a prolonged shutdown and observers say a resolution likely requires renewed bipartisan talks.