Government Shutdown Day 8: Senate Rejects Funding Bills For Sixth Time, ACA Subsidy Talks Stalled

On Wednesday, the US Senate once again failed to break the deadlock on government funding as the shutdown entered its second week. The chamber rejected the GOP’s “clean” stopgap bill, which would have funded federal operations through late November, in a 54-45 vote. The measure required 60 votes to advance but fell short, with only Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Angus King (I-Maine), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) crossing party lines to support the legislation.Democrats also failed in their attempt to pass a rival continuing resolution that included permanent extensions of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, losing 47-52 along party lines. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) maintained that negotiations on ACA subsidies cannot occur until the government reopens, while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) blamed Republicans for prolonging the shutdown. “The government is shut down for one reason and one reason only: Donald Trump and the Republicans would rather kick 15 million people off health insurance,” Schumer said.Federal Workers and ACA Concerns Heighten Tensions The shutdown has already strained federal agencies, with furloughed workers uncertain about pay. The White House recently suggested that back pay for furloughed employees may not be guaranteed, a move that surprised even top Republicans. Sens. King and others stressed the urgency of ending the shutdown to prevent escalating financial strain on Americans and to stabilize government operations.Meanwhile, the standoff has amplified tensions over expiring ACA tax credits, a key sticking point for Democrats. “I’d very much like to get this ACA thing resolved,” King said, noting that premium subsidies are essential for millions of Americans. Republicans continue to resist negotiating on health care while the government remains closed, leaving bipartisan discussions stalled and Senate votes set to resume Thursday on both the Republican and Democratic proposals. Adding to the gridlock, the House of Representatives has remained out of session since last month. Speaker Mike Johnson has insisted he will not reconvene the chamber until the Senate passes the GOP stopgap bill. Lawmakers across both chambers and parties warn that prolonged shutdowns could worsen economic disruption, harm federal employees, and leave Americans uncertain about social services and health care access.