Government Shutdown Drags On as Democrats, Republicans Clash Over Healthcare
The federal government shutdown continues as Republicans and Democrats remain at odds over funding and healthcare. The Senate failed to pass competing plans last week, leaving over 800,000 federal employees without pay. Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, demand protections for healthcare subsidies and limits on President Trump's spending powers.
Republicans have proposed a plan to fund the government for seven weeks, but Democrats are united in their effort to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and reverse cuts to health spending. Over 20 million people could face drastic premium increases if ACA subsidies expire, according to health policy research group KFF.
The Trump administration has been withholding funds from the United States for FEMA projects and National Institutes of Health since the shutdown began. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended these actions, stating they are attempting to 'save money in a responsible way'. However, the administration has also threatened to fire more federal employees and cancel billions in green energy funding.
With the United States federal workforce comprising over 7 percent of its total workforce, the shutdown's impact on the country is significant. Democrats insist on protecting healthcare subsidies and limiting presidential spending powers before agreeing to reopen the government. The Senate's next move will determine the course of the ongoing stalemate.
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