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Harris Backs Democrats’ Shutdown Tactics, Blames GOP as Lapse Enters Third Week

She is pressing her party to secure Affordable Care Act premium tax credits before any stopgap funding advances.

People wait in line to hear Former Vice President Kamala Harris speak about her new book, "107 Days," at an event Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris greets people before she speaks, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Books written by former Vice President Kamala Harris are displayed, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Birminham, Ala. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd before speaking about her new book, "107 Days," during an event on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Overview

  • Harris says she is in contact with Capitol Hill allies, urging Democrats to hold out to prevent spikes in Affordable Care Act premiums.
  • Senate Democrats have blocked a stopgap funding bill 10 times during the standoff over extending ACA premium subsidies.
  • The shutdown has reached day 18, with furloughed workers’ back pay in doubt as the administration moves to ensure military pay and expects FBI agents and some DHS employees to be paid.
  • Harris signals an ongoing leadership role, confirming campaign help for Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and leaving a 2028 bid open.
  • She warns that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act could be stripped and denounces Republican immigration rhetoric as race baiting and scapegoating.