Government Shutdown Enters 13th Day, Speaker Johnson Predicts Record Length
The federal government shutdown entered its 13th day today, with House Speaker Mike Johnson predicting it may become the longest in American history, as disagreements over healthcare funding continue to stall negotiations.
Johnson stated he “won’t negotiate” with Democrats until they pause their demands related to health care and agree to reopen the government. The closure has already impacted numerous federal services, including the shuttering of Smithsonian museums and disruptions to air travel, adding to economic uncertainty. The House is currently out of session, and while the Senate will return tomorrow, previous attempts to reach a resolution have failed. This shutdown highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing budgetary priorities with essential government functions.
At the heart of the impasse is a debate over funding for Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats are pushing for an extension, while Republicans argue the issue can be addressed later. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that failing to renew these subsidies could double monthly insurance costs for millions of Americans. The Trump administration is also utilizing discretionary power to manage the shutdown, including mass layoffs of federal workers and prioritizing funding for certain agencies through measures like the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” drawing criticism and legal challenges from employee unions. You can learn more about the Affordable Care Act subsidies on the Kaiser Family Foundation website.
President Trump has ensured military personnel will be paid this week, temporarily easing one point of contention. However, Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of fully repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, stating he has “PTSD” from previous attempts, referencing the 2017 failed effort. The longest previous shutdown lasted 35 days during the Trump administration in 2019, stemming from a dispute over border wall funding. The Congressional Budget Office has also outlined potential funding sources the administration could utilize to mitigate the impact of the shutdown, as detailed in their recent reports.
Officials anticipate the end of the month, coinciding with the start of open enrollment for the health program, as a potential deadline for reopening the government, but Speaker Johnson indicated no immediate plans to recall lawmakers for a vote.
