The clock is ticking toward another government shutdown thanks to Democrats. A clean funding bill has already cleared the House, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is blocking it, insisting on billions in new subsidies that critics say would even extend to illegal immigrants.
“The House has done its job. We passed a straightforward resolution that funds the government and protects essential services,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. “The only reason a shutdown is on the table is because Democrats refuse to separate their political demands from basic funding.”
Schumer has made clear that his caucus won’t support a funding deal without renewing Obamacare subsidies. That demand, according to GOP leaders, is what is putting paychecks for federal workers and military families at risk. “They’re playing games with people’s lives,” Senator John Thune said. “Schumer could end this today by allowing a vote on the clean CR. Instead, he’s trying to use the threat of a shutdown to jam through his party’s wish list.”
President Trump has held firm, reminding voters that he was elected to put America first. “The American people didn’t send me back to Washington to fund benefits for illegals or to keep wasting taxpayer dollars,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “They sent me here to secure the border, protect workers, and restore common sense. That’s exactly what we’re doing.”
The White House has already instructed agencies to prepare for the possibility of a shutdown, but officials say the blame rests squarely with Democrats. By refusing to accept a stopgap measure, Schumer is forcing a standoff that could close parks, delay paychecks, and disrupt services across the country.
Even some Democrats are uneasy with the strategy, though few will say it publicly. One Senate aide admitted, “This is a high-risk gamble. If the public blames us for putting ideology ahead of basic governance, it could backfire.”
Republicans passed a resolution to keep the lights on. Democrats are blocking it over subsidies and immigration politics. If the government shuts down, Schumer will be squarely to blame.