Washington D.C. – november 8, 2025 – A government shutdown continues as former President trump signaled he will not compromise on teh Affordable Care Act (ACA), calling it “the worst Healthcare anywhere in the world,” escalating a standoff with Senate Democrats. The impasse centers on extending subsidies for the ACA, set to expire in January, with Republicans divided on strategy.
The shutdown began October 1st after democrats rejected a House-passed bill to temporarily fund the government through November 21st. senate Republicans, led by senator John Thune, are now considering a bipartisan package that would extend funding through January, potentially mirroring proposals from moderate Democrats. Tho, Thune has refused to negotiate directly.
Trump has urged Republicans to eliminate the filibuster – the Senate rule requiring 60 votes to pass most legislation – to bypass Democrats entirely. Vice President JD Vance, formerly a Senator from Ohio, publicly endorsed this approach Saturday, stating republicans who support maintaining the filibuster are “wrong.” This call was rejected by Senate Republicans.
The core dispute revolves around the future of ACA subsidies. Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, are demanding a one-year extension of the subsidies before any negotiations on broader healthcare policy. Schumer warned Saturday that failing to act would lead to financial hardship and loss of insurance for many Americans, stating, “Doing nothing is derelict because people will go bankrupt, people will lose insurance, people will get sicker.”
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, urged his party to remain firm following recent Democratic victories in state elections.
A test vote on new legislation could occur within days if thune moves forward with his package. Democrats then face a choice: continue fighting for the subsidy extension and prolong the shutdown, or vote to reopen the government while relying on Republican promises of a future healthcare vote – a promise without guaranteed results.
Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., stated, ”We’re going to replace this broken system with something that is actually better for the consumer.”
