Overview

• Both a seven-week GOP 'clean' continuing resolution and a shorter Democratic alternative failed to clear the Senate’s 60‑vote hurdle.
• House Republicans passed the GOP stopgap on party lines, while Democrats insist any funding measure address expiring ACA premium subsidies and summer Medicaid cuts.
• Lawmakers left town after the failed votes, with the Senate due back Sept. 29 and the House set to return later, heightening the risk of a funding lapse.
• Sen. John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson are pressing for repeated votes on the clean CR, as President Trump blames Democrats and has largely stayed out of negotiations.
• Democrats point to recent rescissions and funding freezes by the administration to justify their stand, warning of premium spikes if enhanced ACA tax credits lapse at year’s end.