Senate Deadlock Raises Risk of US Government Shutdown September 30

Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, are demanding increased funding for healthcare, particularly subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and the restoration of Medicaid cuts from President Trump's recent tax and domestic policy law, as a condition to avoid a government shutdown. Republicans have offered a short-term funding bill to keep federal spending mostly at current levels, but Democrats blocked it, leading to a legislative stalemate and escalating the likelihood of a shutdown by the September 30 deadline. The Senate rejected both parties' proposals, with Democrats opposing the GOP plan and Republicans opposing the Democratic alternative, which included over $1 trillion to extend healthcare subsidies and roll back Medicaid cuts. Democrats accuse GOP leaders of refusing bipartisan negotiations and are urging President Trump to intervene directly to prevent a shutdown, while Republicans have so far declined to negotiate with Senate Democrats. The impasse highlights the deep partisan divisions over healthcare funding and government spending, with Democrats prepared to take a hardline stance despite concerns about the political and practical repercussions of a shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has refused to meet with Schumer for negotiations, and House GOP leaders have canceled votes in anticipation of the funding deadline passing without agreement.