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1h ago

Shutdown Standoff Hardens Over ACA Subsidies as GOP Rifts Emerge

Democrats reject a one-year fix, pointing to forecasts of steep premium spikes without a permanent extension.

Mike Johnson and Joe Scarborough.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters following the weekly Senate policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
U.S. Capitol building at sunset
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Overview

  • On day eight of the shutdown, the Senate remains short of 60 votes to advance a clean funding bill, leaving agencies partially closed, workers unpaid and open enrollment approaching on November 1.
  • House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called a one-year extension a nonstarter even as a bipartisan bill led by Reps. Jen Kiggans and Tom Suozzi gained co-sponsors from both parties.
  • Republican divisions grew as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged her party to address expected premium hikes, and Sens. Josh Hawley and Thom Tillis said they are open to extending the credits outside the funding fight.
  • President Trump expressed openness to negotiate on subsidies before later insisting talks would wait until Democrats vote to reopen the government, underscoring mixed GOP messaging.
  • KFF estimates point to average premium increases of about 114% in 2026 for many marketplace enrollees if the enhanced credits lapse, with the CBO projecting up to 4 million losing coverage, while conservatives argue renewal could cost $35–$40 billion annually and inflate prices.