Overview

• Senate Democrats blocked the House’s clean short-term funding bill for a seventh time, insisting any stopgap include an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits.
• Hakeem Jeffries rejected proposals for a later vote or handshake promise on the subsidies, saying only immediate legislation will do given the Dec. 31 expiration.
• Republicans publicly say reopen government first, yet many lack a clear alternative on health care; dissent has surfaced with Marjorie Taylor Greene urging action to prevent premium spikes.
• Operational fallout is growing as agencies curtail work, federal employees prepare to miss their first paychecks next week, and reports note layoffs initiated by the Office of Management and Budget.
• With open enrollment starting Nov. 1 and premium increases looming if Congress fails to act, Democrats are pressing their advantage as GOP leaders face pressure from their own members and mixed signals from President Trump on negotiating health care.