Democrats Claim Responsibility for Partial US Government Shutdown

A partial federal government shutdown began after Senate Democrats blocked a seven-week continuing resolution, with Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar openly taking responsibility and defending the shutdown as necessary to protect healthcare funding, including a $1 trillion demand for priorities like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. President Trump has taken a hard line, threatening to use the shutdown to cut programs favored by Democrats and lay off federal workers, framing the standoff as a chance to purge the government of "deep state bureaucrats." Critics highlight that while the government budget has increased significantly since before the pandemic, public services have not improved proportionally, fueling calls for a leaner federal system. Democrats argue the shutdown fight centers on protecting healthcare premiums, warning that Republicans' refusal to fund could cause premium spikes, while Republicans emphasize opposition to funding benefits for undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, some Republicans accuse Democrats of wanting the shutdown to slow the momentum of the Trump administration. The shutdown reflects deep partisan divides over budget priorities, immigration-related spending, and control of government functions amid ongoing political clashes.