Democrats Dig In as Shutdown Looms After GOP Unveils Stopgap Bill

Lead: House Republicans unveiled a seven‐week stopgap funding bill Tuesday to keep the government open past Oct. 1, but Democrats have refused to back the measure-raising the odds of a shutdown unless health‐care concessions are added.

Nut Graf: Democratic leaders underscore that any extension must include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and guardrails against presidential rescissions, staking out a hardline stance that could trigger a government funding lapse in two weeks.

Republicans Press Ahead with Stopgap Plan

House Speaker Mike Johnson released legislation to fund federal agencies at current levels through Nov. 21, including $58 million for Supreme Court and executive‐branch security and $30 million for member protection. Johnson signaled a floor vote by Friday and shifted blame onto Democrats for any ensuing shutdown.

Democrats’ Demands

• Healthcare Subsidies: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries insist on extending ACA premium tax credits expiring year-end.
• Rescission Protections: Senate Democrats plan an alternative stopgap barring President Trump from clawing back funds via rescissions.
• Bipartisan Talks: Top appropriators Rosa DeLauro and Patty Murray have sought negotiations for weeks but say GOP leaders have rebuffed outreach.

Stakes and Timing

With just two defections tolerable in the House majority and seven Democratic votes needed in the Senate to clear a filibuster, both parties face tight margins. A failure to reach agreement by Sept. 30 would shutter nonessential services and thrust lawmakers into a high‐stakes blame game.

Outlook

Democrats are betting voter concern over rising insurance costs will bolster their leverage, while Republicans warn a shutdown would be Democrats’ fault. As each side digs in, the next fortnight will test whether priorities on healthcare and oversight can bridge an increasingly partisan divide.