Reckoning looms for politicians as longest government shutdown persists

A prolonged government shutdown, now in its 39th day, is creating mounting pressure on politicians from both parties as a reckoning looms for their handling of the crisis, particularly concerning healthcare. The shutdown is not primarily about spending levels but has become a re-litigation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, with Republicans targeting the healthcare subsidies and Democrats seeking to protect them. Republicans are pushing for a plan that would extend government funding through late January and address healthcare subsidies, with the hope of garnering enough Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. This approach is partly an effort to re-litigate Obamacare, which they failed to repeal despite multiple attempts. However, this strategy could alienate a portion of the electorate concerned about healthcare costs. Democrats face their own potential reckoning if they fail to secure concessions on Obamacare subsidies, which could lead to internal party divisions and anger from progressive members. Senate Republicans aim to break the filibuster on a revised spending package, which, if successful, could lead to a vote on the bill as early as Monday or Tuesday, though the process could be expedited or delayed depending on parliamentary maneuvers. The proposed Republican package would fund government departments through September 30, 2026, and includes provisions for the Department of Agriculture and Department of Veterans Affairs. Repub... download the app to read more