Democrats Tie Reopening to ACA Subsidies
As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its second week, Democrats are digging in on health care as their central demand. They are pushing for an extension of subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, first enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent millions of Americans from facing premium increases in the new year.
Republicans, long critical of the ACA, are divided. Some members see an opportunity to finally roll back the law, while others admit that constituents will face steep costs if subsidies expire. The issue has now become the flashpoint in stalled negotiations to reopen the government.
President Donald Trump, who has framed the shutdown as a fight against what he calls “failed healthcare policies,” has said talks will only proceed once Democrats agree to end the funding lapse. His stance has hardened the impasse, leaving federal workers without pay and millions of Americans uncertain about the future of their health coverage.
Republicans Split on Approach
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate leaders have argued that the system is broken and needs an overhaul, framing the Democrats’ position as shortsighted. Some, like Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, insist the only solution is to replace Obamacare entirely. Others, such as Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, acknowledge that rising premiums are a pressing concern and suggest short-term extensions may be unavoidable.
Even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a frequent critic of federal programs, said she may support extending subsidies, citing the direct impact on families in her district, including her own. “Premiums will double without these credits,” she wrote online, underscoring the political risks for Republicans in refusing to act.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has suggested that reforms could be paired with temporary extensions, but he maintains that negotiations cannot move forward until the government is reopened.
Federal Workers Caught in the Middle
Beyond the fight over healthcare, the shutdown is directly affecting hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Workers are missing paychecks, and a new White House memo suggests that backpay — guaranteed under a 2019 law signed by Trump — could be withheld this time.
If enacted, the decision would heighten financial strain on furloughed workers and escalate political pressure on both parties. Democrats have strongly rejected the idea, warning that punishing workers for a partisan standoff would deepen public mistrust.
Government services remain disrupted across the country, while the Department of Transportation, already operating with limited staff, faces delays in reviewing large infrastructure projects due to the funding lapse.
Uncertain Path Forward
Behind the scenes, some senators from both parties are exploring compromise. Proposals range from extending subsidies for just one year to securing commitments for broader reforms later. Yet neither side appears willing to concede enough to break the deadlock.
Democrats believe public opinion is on their side, with more than 24 million people now enrolled in ACA coverage. They argue that Republicans risk a backlash if families in red states see premiums spike. Republicans counter that Democrats are holding the government hostage for an unpopular program.
The standoff underscores how health care, one of the most persistent and polarizing issues in American politics, has once again become the pivot point for broader national governance. With no resolution in sight, both federal workers and millions of families covered under the ACA remain caught in a deepening crisis.