Senate Democrats Block Government Funding Bills, Prolong Shutdown Impacting Millions

The federal government shutdown has entered its third week as Senate Democrats continue to block a Republican-proposed continuing resolution (CR) that would extend current funding levels without policy riders. Democrats insist on pairing the CR with a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which Republicans reject, leading to a deadlock that jeopardizes essential services for low-income Americans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats characterize the impasse as a Republican-driven healthcare crisis, while Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Sen. Katie Britt, accuse Democrats of politicizing the shutdown and pandering to the far left. Some Republicans have expressed openness to talks on extending ACA subsidies if it would help reopen the government, but the GOP broadly refuses to negotiate on healthcare tied to the CR. Congressman Glenn Grothman praised President Trump’s efforts to ensure military pay during the shutdown and blamed Democrats for the stalemate. The continued deadlock threatens broader disruptions, including to nutrition programs and coverage for millions of Americans.