WASHINGTON — The Senate remains at a standstill as Republicans push a partisan stopgap spending bill that is all but doomed to fail. On Thursday, lawmakers prepared to vote for the fourth time on a continuing resolution (CR) that lacks the Democratic support needed to overcome a filibuster. The move comes amid rising concerns over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies and the looming threat of a government shutdown.
Senate Majority Whip John Thune acknowledged that the effort is more about securing political leverage than achieving legislative progress. “You have to manage a shutdown,” Thune said, signaling that the GOP is bracing for fallout rather than avoiding it.
60-vote threshold
With only 53 Republican seats, Senate leaders need at least seven Democrats to reach the critical 60-vote threshold. So far, just three Democrats have defected. Complicating matters, GOP Senator Rand Paul is expected to vote no, further reducing the margin.
ACA subsidies
Democrats are holding firm. Their condition: address ACA subsidies that are set to expire. Without renewal, 20 million Americans could see insurance premiums spike—some even doubling. Vice President Vance has downplayed the urgency, arguing the subsidies don’t lapse until year’s end. But Democrats point out that open enrollment begins next month. For them, the clock is already ticking.
Behind closed doors, bipartisan discussions are at a standstill. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota said Republicans want to pass the short-term CR first. Only then would they consider a separate bill for the ACA subsidies. Democrats, however, fear a bait-and-switch and refuse to budge.
President Trump
President Trump has escalated the standoff, threatening mass layoffs and cuts to agencies he labeled “Democratic.” He’s already met with Budget Director Russell Vought to discuss how to carry out those plans. When pressed, GOP lawmakers deflected, saying the White House has the right to act as it sees fit.
So far, the pain hasn’t trickled down to most Americans. Agencies remain open, and federal paychecks continue to flow. But the pressure is mounting. As the shutdown continues, both Congress and the White House will face increasing scrutiny—not just from voters, but from the millions whose health coverage is at risk.
The stakes are real. The posturing may soon give way to consequences.
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Ten years of experience reporting. From car chases and courtroom verdicts to House fires, Holsford thrives during breaking news and finds it a privilege to help drive the conversation in Rockland County and the Greater New York Area. Born in San Bernardino, Thomas is a New York boy at heart. He received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, specializing in political science and sociology, from the University of Illinois
