U.S. Government Shutdown Looms as Democrats and Republicans Fail to Reach Agreement
TL/DR –
Democrats and Republicans failed to reach an agreement and negotiate, resulting in the first US government shutdown in almost seven years. The standoff was primarily over healthcare and spending, with the Democrats demanding an extension of healthcare benefits and an overturn of the enacted Medicaid cuts. There were also disagreements and a lack of negotiation during a bipartisan meeting at the White House, with President Trump later posting a mocking video of Democrats.
Government Shutdown Looms as Democrats and Republicans Clash
On Tuesday, the U.S. government stood on the brink of its first shutdown in nearly seven years due to a bitter partisan standoff over healthcare and spending. Accusations flew between Democrats and Republicans, neither willing to negotiate or compromise.
The shutdown was triggered by the Senate’s failure to pass a House measure, which fell short of the required 60 votes. The measure aimed to extend federal funding for seven weeks, while lawmakers finish their work on annual spending bills. The vote resulted in 55 in favor, 45 against. Following the vote, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget issued a directive for agencies to prepare for an orderly shutdown.
Intensifying Blame Game
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of trying to “bully” Democrats by refusing negotiations on an extension of healthcare benefits and other priorities. Conversely, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Republicans would not be “held hostage” to Democrats’ demands. The GOP-led House was unavailable for immediate votes, having already left for a week-long recess.
The current standoff comes as Democrats see an opportunity to leverage the situation to achieve policy goals. The last shutdown, during Trump’s first term, lasted 35 days, causing severe delays at airports and unpaid federal workers.
Democrats Demand Healthcare Security
Millions face potential higher insurance premiums if healthcare subsidies expire by year-end. These subsidies were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to expand coverage for low- and middle-income people under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats are pushing for immediate extension of the subsidies and a reversal of the Medicaid cuts enacted as part of Trump’s recent bill.
Bipartisan White House Meeting Ends Without Agreement
Monday’s bipartisan White House meeting, Trump’s first with all four Congressional leaders since his second term began, ended without progress. After the meeting, a fake video mocking Democrats was posted by Trump, prompting criticism from Schumer and others.
Democrats Face Crucial, Unusual Vote
Democrats, long critics of shutdowns as destructive and pointless, are in an unusual position. Some Democrats argue that the party needs to stand up to Trump, despite the risk of shutdown.
Preparations for Shutdown Underway
The potential shutdown could have severe implications for federal workers. The White House has already advised agencies to consider staff reductions, meaning non-essential workers could be fired instead of merely furloughed. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that approximately 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed each day if a shutdown occurs.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News