Trump’s Government Shutdown Continues

Republicans have made cuts to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in their budget reconciliation bill of July, claiming the cuts will address “waste, fraud, and abuse.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates those cuts will increase the number of people without health insurance by 10 million by 2034.

Democrats did not vote to shut the government down.

Democrats refused to vote in favor of a continuing resolution to fund the government—which was necessary because the Republicans have not managed to pass any appropriations bills—until Republicans reverse a drastic cut they have made to healthcare.

Democrats want Republicans to agree to extend the premium tax credits for healthcare insurance that they permitted to lapse when they wrote the law they call the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” Without the extension of the premium tax credit, the cost of many Americans’ healthcare premiums will increase significantly.

More than three in four people enrolled in ObamaCare plans live in states Trump won in 2024. Enrollment starts November 1, 2025 so time is of the essence.