Overview

• The Senate for a fifth time rejected dueling short‑term funding bills, with the GOP’s clean extension failing 52–42 and a Democratic plan that preserves expiring subsidies falling 45–50.
• President Donald Trump said he is open to negotiating on ACA subsidies but reiterated talks should follow reopening the government, a claim of ongoing discussions that Democratic leaders disputed.
• Roughly 750,000 federal workers are furloughed as agencies scale back operations, and while the White House warns layoffs could come if the shutdown drags on, officials have not begun firing employees.
• The White House budget office has frozen billions in previously approved funds and targeted projects in Democratic‑led states, escalating pressure as the shutdown’s operational impacts widen.
• With enhanced ACA tax credits set to lapse at year’s end, insurers are preparing for open enrollment under that risk, and Democrats say premiums could spike and coverage could be lost without an extension.