Democrats launch ads blaming Republicans for government shutdown
TL/DR –
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is launching ads to pressure Republicans to return to negotiations over the ongoing US government shutdown. The Democrats argue that they will not vote for funding measures unless it includes an extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies given a temporary boost during the pandemic. The DCCC is targeting 13 districts where they believe they can hold or flip seats in the 2026 midterms with these ads.
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Democrats Launch Ads Urging Resolution to Government Shutdown
As the government shutdown set to roll into its second week by 2025, the Democrats in the House have initiated a new ad campaign. This campaign, oriented by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), targets Republicans to resume negotiations. The primaries of the Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have stated they won’t vote for a funding bill that does not extend Obamacare subsidies, which were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ads Push for Affordable Healthcare
The ad buy, costing four figures, spans 13 districts where Democrats either hope to retain their seats or gain new ones in the midterms of 2026. The Democrats aim to convert the ongoing deadlock into a healthcare debate, taking the stance that Republicans, despite controlling the government, have allowed it to shut down. The ads in Democrat-held districts commend lawmakers for safeguarding affordable healthcare. Of the 13 districts targeted, three are Republican-held, and ten are held by Democrats.
Government Funding Plans Stalled
The House and Senate were inactive over the recent weekend, following the Senate’s fourth unsuccessful attempt to push forward the GOP’s plan to finance federal agencies until November 21. This bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), extends the fiscal year (FY) 2025 federal funding levels. The funding includes a substantial $88 million for security spending for lawmakers, the White House, and the judicial branch due to the elevated political threat environment.
Democrats Eyeing Enhanced Obamacare Subsidies
Democrats have expressed concern that Americans depending on the enhanced Obamacare subsidies face the threat of soaring healthcare premiums if the subsidies are not included in the CR. These subsidies received a temporary boost during the COVID-19 pandemic under the American Rescue Plan of ex-President Joe Biden. Later, the Inflation Reduction Act extended these subsidies through 2025.
Republicans Accuse Democrats of Holding the Government Hostage
Republican leaders have indicated their willingness to discuss extending and reforming the subsidies at a later time. However, they accuse Democrats of holding the government hostage and endangering Americans who rely on federal services. “Vulnerable House Republicans shut down the government because they don’t care about working Americans having access to affordable health care,” said DCCC spokesperson Nebeyatt Betre. “House Democrats will keep working to lower Americans’ health care costs.”
House Republicans Hit Back with Their Ad
The House Republicans’ campaign arm also launched an ad following the initiation of the government shutdown. The ad campaign, also costing four figures, criticizes Democrats for not funding the government, thus impacting military paychecks, veterans, farmers, and small businesses. Republicans point at the counter-proposal by Democrats for a CR as evidence that Democrats are seeking to restore healthcare for illegal immigrants.
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