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2h ago

Shutdown Hits Day 9 as Democrats Hold Firm on ACA Subsidy Demand, Senate Again Rejects GOP Stopgap

Senate action stalled at 54-45, furloughs deepening, the White House wavering on back pay.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer takes a question during a "pen and pad" meeting with reporters at the US Capitol on October 8, 2025. The government remains shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding deal last week.
Members of the US Army participate in the 250th birthday parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with a military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army.
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Overview

  • The Senate blocked the House-passed continuing resolution for a sixth time in a 54-45 vote that fell short of the 60 needed, with Democrats maintaining unity against a bill that lacks health-care concessions.
  • Democrats insist any reopening plan must extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies set to expire this year, while Republican leaders say policy talks can begin only after the government is funded.
  • President Trump signaled openness earlier in the week to discuss subsidies but now says talks must wait until after reopening, reflecting mixed messages that have frustrated some Republicans.
  • Roughly 750,000 federal employees are furloughed, including 34,000 at the IRS, with first reduced paychecks expected as soon as Oct. 10 and a potential missed military payday on Oct. 15 if no deal passes.
  • Trump questioned automatic back pay for furloughed workers based on an OMB memo, drew pushback from GOP lawmakers, and expressed support for ensuring military pay, while polls show blame assigned to both parties with several surveys tilting more toward Republicans.