Overview

• The Senate returns for more test votes on dueling funding bills that are still short of the 60 votes needed, with Republicans saying they need roughly five more Democrats and only a few having crossed the aisle so far.
• Democrats are tying reopening to a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts, along with limits on the president’s ability to withhold or rescind funds, which the White House and most Republicans oppose.
• President Trump has not committed to extending ACA subsidies, and Senate GOP leaders say health care talks would occur only after passing a short-term bill; Speaker Mike Johnson canceled House votes for the week.
• Budget director Russell Vought has frozen about $28 billion in infrastructure funds in several states and the administration is threatening mass layoffs, moves that Democrats and some Republicans criticize as punitive.
• Johnson alleges Democrats want higher Medicaid reimbursements tied to care for undocumented immigrants, a claim Democratic leaders reject as barred by federal law; early polling shows more voters blame Trump and Republicans, and broad majorities favor extending ACA tax credits.