U.S. Government Faces Shutdown at Midnight; Urgent Talks Continue
URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. government is on the brink of its first shutdown in nearly seven years, with a critical deadline looming at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. A partisan standoff between Democrats and Republicans over health care and spending has left lawmakers unable to reach an agreement, putting thousands of federal jobs at risk.
If the Senate does not pass a House measure that would extend federal funding for seven weeks, federal workers could face furloughs or layoffs. Senate Democrats are refusing to support the bill unless it includes an extension of expiring health care benefits, among other demands.
President Donald Trump and Republican leaders insist the funding bill is a straightforward, “clean” proposal that should not be controversial. However, tensions escalated after a White House meeting on Monday between Trump and congressional leaders yielded little progress. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated, “It’s now in the president’s hands,” urging Trump to collaborate with Republicans to prevent the shutdown.
As the deadline approaches, the stakes are soaring. Millions of Americans could face soaring health insurance costs if health care subsidies, originally enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, are not extended. These subsidies were crucial for low- and middle-income families purchasing insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
The last government shutdown, from December 2018 to January 2019, lasted an unprecedented 35 days and caused significant disruptions, including missed paychecks for federal workers. Congressional Democrats are now under pressure from their base to stand firm against Trump, who has been criticized for his handling of negotiations.
Trump’s recent social media activity, including posting a mocking video of Democrats, further complicates the situation. He stated, “They lost the election in a landslide, and they don’t change,” indicating a reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions.
In this environment, the potential for a government shutdown looms larger than ever. Lawmakers like House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have condemned the proposed Republican spending bill, asserting it would gut health care for everyday Americans. He emphasized, “We are NOT backing down.”
With only hours remaining, the urgency is palpable. Federal agencies have been instructed to prepare for possible layoffs, with Trump suggesting that “we may do a lot” of layoffs, attributing the responsibility to Democrats.
Some Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have expressed willingness to negotiate on health care issues but are facing pushback from within their party. Thune remarked, “This is a hijacking of the American people, and it’s the American people who are going to pay the price.”
As the clock ticks down, both sides must decide whether to compromise or risk a shutdown that could have dire consequences for federal workers and millions of Americans relying on health care subsidies. The next few hours will be critical as Congress races against the clock to avert a crisis. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
