As September 30’s funding deadline draws near, Congress is presented with the all too familiar specter of a government shutdown. Democrats are understandably becoming skittish about letting this year’s funding war see a sequel. They recall that desperate coalition that often had to vote to keep the government running. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The Democratic Party, now charged with opposition, would have much to gain by using its influence to the fullest extent in a Republican-dominated government.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and several Democratic senators previously supported legislation aimed at maintaining government funding during a tumultuous period earlier this year. Many Democrats argue that allowing funding to lapse so early in Donald Trump’s presidency would hinder their efforts to resist his attempts to reshape the federal government.
Pressure is mounting from within the party. Grassroots activists and constituents alike are calling on Democrats to flex every ounce of leverage they possess in Congress. The party must demonstrate its commitment to fighting for the American people, especially given the urgency of the looming deadline.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wanted to be very clear that Democrats are unmovable. They’ll threaten to reject any funding legislation that doesn’t satisfy their healthcare needs.
“We will not support a partisan spending agreement that continues to rip away healthcare from the American people, period, full stop.” – Hakeem Jeffries
Make no mistake, Democrats are committed to undoing recent changes to Medicaid. For starters, they want to fix the federal health insurance programs for seniors — Medicare and Medicaid — that Republicans have hijacked. An activist group, MoveOn, echoed this sentiment in a memo stating that Democrats should “refuse support for any funding bill that doesn’t reverse Republicans’ massive healthcare cuts.”
The problems the Democratic Party faces are deeper than money. They’re hell-bent on taking back the House in next year’s elections. With Republicans controlling a very tenuous majority of only three seats, Democrats have an opportunity to strike—to retake control from Republicans while they’re down and out.
As tensions build, we know where former President Donald Trump stands on the matter. He ruled out finding common ground between Republicans and Democrats, encouraging, “don’t even waste your time working with” Democrats. On the other side, Senate Republican John Thune charged that Democrats were looking to spark a fight to help their chances in 2024.
The political landscape leaves Democrats with not much legislative fire power, as this moment in time features Republicans controlling all three branches of government. This reality has made negotiations harder and increased urgency around the looming September 30th funding deadline.
And for the plan to be implemented, Congress has to pass the relevant legislation by the end of this month. If not, the U.S. government will go into shutdown. To avoid this fate, Republicans will need to line up support from at least seven Democrats. This collaboration is essential to building the consensus needed to defeat the Senate’s filibuster.
In the midst of all these political wrangling, Schumer lamented that healthcare costs are already increasing for millions of Americans.
“In several states, notices have gone out already how your healthcare premiums and your insurance is going to go way up, hundreds of dollars.” – Chuck Schumer
Democrats face an uphill battle in their attempt to secure favorable funding conditions while navigating the complexities of a divided Congress. Looking to build a new negotiating table, though, party leaders continue to keep their eyes on the principles that formed the basis of their party platform.
DelBene made clear her exasperation with Republican tactics, claiming that her party is prepared to work collaboratively if Republicans will stop wasting time.
“If we’re heading for a shutdown, it’s because that’s where they’re leading us.” – Suzan DelBene
The partisan divide only deepens as both political parties maneuver to try to outflank one another. Some outside participants, like analysts and the Business Roundtable, argue that Republicans can gain the most political benefit by letting a shutdown happen. Finally, Thune acknowledges that their base is itching for a fight.
“We’re ready to be at the table. Republicans don’t even know what they want to do. They’re in charge. They have all the levers.” – Suzan DelBene
As Congress members navigate these challenges, both sides will need to weigh their strategies carefully in order to avoid a government shutdown and its ensuing consequences. The next few weeks will be very important. They’ll stand at the ready during negotiations that will seriously decide the future of all federal funding and government-funded healthcare altogether.
As Congress members navigate these challenges, both sides will need to weigh their strategies carefully in order to avoid a government shutdown and its ensuing consequences. The coming weeks will be critical as they prepare for negotiations and ultimately decide the fate of government funding and healthcare policies.