The federal government shutdown is now in its seventh day. Fights are getting more and more intense between Democrats and Republicans across the aisle as they fight over important healthcare dollars. A recent procedural vote on a short-term Democratic spending bill intended to avert a government shutdown and extend government funding through October 31 failed along party lines. In the end, the outcome was 45-55. That’s how the bill’s supporters managed to get 52 votes in favor. Despite bipartisan support, they fell short by eight votes of the required 60-vote threshold for passage.
Democrats, who are in the minority in both Congressional chambers, are attempting to use the spending bill to gain leverage. Their aim is to force Republicans to the table to negotiate on health care costs. Specifically, they seek to reverse cuts to Medicaid assistance for low-income and disabled residents before the upcoming healthcare enrollment period starts in November.
In an intensely partisan back-and-forth, former President Donald Trump took personal responsibility for ending the government shutdown, putting Democrats on notice. He made it clear that they need to end the shutdown first, for any meaningful negotiations on healthcare policy to occur.
“I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!” – Donald Trump
Trump first blustered that he was prepared to deal with Democrats on healthcare cost-sharing subsidies. A few days later, he rescinded that offer. A Republican-sponsored bill to extend government spending until the end of November had a surprise defeat. It didn’t pass the Senate on Monday night, making matters even more complicated.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer responded to Trump’s remarks, asserting that the former president’s statements were misleading. He emphasized that Democrats have consistently urged Trump and Republicans to collaborate on initiatives that would result in lower healthcare costs for American families.
“If Republicans are finally ready to sit down and get something done on healthcare for American families, Democrats will be there – ready to make it happen,” – Chuck Schumer
With no resolution in sight, each side is now trying to sound the alarm on healthcare subsidies. Democrats are most worried, though, about what will happen if we don’t stop some expiring subsidies from going away before people start signing up again. Though Trump has precisely claimed to have shown that Republicans are ready to talk about healing with, that’s right!
