Overview

• Democrats are withholding votes unless Republicans extend expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which GOP leaders say should be addressed after reopening.
• Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are working without pay as the Trump administration begins layoffs and questions automatic back pay for furloughed workers.
• The Senate has failed seven times to advance the House-passed short-term funding bill because it cannot reach 60 votes.
• Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the House out of session and the Senate is recessed until Tuesday, a posture that could increase constituent pressure on lawmakers.
• Public impacts are intensifying as Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo close on Sunday, some airports report delays tied to controller staffing, and infrastructure funds for New York and Illinois are paused.