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Republicans recently proposed a seven-week funding extension, but it doesn’t address Democrats’ Medicaid concerns. The bill would maintain current funding levels until November 21 and add nearly $90 million for security of Congress members, Supreme Court justices, and executive branch officials following the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Despite this effort to avoid a shutdown, Democrats refuse to sign any funding deal without addressing their health care crisis fears. Recent Medicaid cuts and expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies are seen as impending disasters by Democrats. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that there is “zero chance” of repealing these Medicaid cuts, arguing that the changes to Obamacare shouldn’t be linked to a short-term funding bill.
Leaders from both parties blame each other for potential shutdowns when funding runs out on September 30. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans for steering the country toward a shutdown by refusing to work with Democrats.
The federal government has closed down 21 times since 1977, with an average duration of about eight days. The most recent shutdown lasted 35 days, from December 2018 to January 2019, during Donald Trump’s first term as president. Back then, negotiations broke down over funding for the border wall. This time around, Democrats say Republicans haven’t taken their concerns seriously.
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Republicans argue that a government shutdown would be a “fool’s gambit” aimed at regaining public support. The situation remains tense and uncertain, with no clear resolution in sight.
