The Democrats picked this fight, which was unusual for the party that prefers to keep government running, but their voters are eager to challenge President Trump's second-term agenda which aims to reduce the size of government. As an example, Democrats are demanding funding for health care subsidies that are expiring for millions of people under the Affordable Care Act. Republicans have rejected that demand because the Biden administration allowed illegal immigrants to qualify for those subsidies.
Across the government, preparations have been underway. Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, headed by Russ Vought, directed agencies to execute plans for not just furloughs, as are typical during a federal funding lapse, but mass firings of federal workers. It’s part of the Trump administration’s mission, including its Department of Government Efficiency, to shrink the federal government.
The Medicare and Medicaid health care programs are expected to continue, though staffing shortages could mean delays for some services. The Pentagon would still function. And most employees will stay on the job at the Department of Homeland Security.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said Republicans are happy to discuss the health care issue with Democrats — but not as part of talks to keep the government open. More votes are expected Wednesday.
The standoff is a political test for Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, who has drawn scorn from the far-left of the party which is pushing for greater government spending.
House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home nearly two weeks ago after having passed the GOP bill, blaming Democrats for the shutdown.
“They want to fight Trump,” Johnson said Tuesday on CNBC. “A lot of good people are going to be hurt because of this.”
