Politics
Republicans Push Democrats for Quick Deal to Keep U.S. Government Operating
By Jake Beardslee · September 28, 2025
Deadline for Government Funding Nears
Washington is bracing for a potential partial government shutdown as the new fiscal year begins Wednesday, October 1. Without passage of funding legislation, key services and agencies—from NASA to national parks—would face disruptions, with thousands of federal employees furloughed. The impasse stems from lawmakers’ failure to agree on discretionary spending, which makes up about one-quarter of the $7 trillion U.S. budget. Kaboompics.com / Pexels
Republicans Urge Short-Term Funding Extension
Republicans, who control both the House (219–213) and the Senate (53–47), are pressing Democrats to support a short-term spending bill that would keep the government open through November 21.“The only thing we are trying to do is buy a little time,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” He warned, “It’s fine to have partisan debates and squabbles, but you don’t hold the people hostage for their services.” Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Democrats Demand Healthcare Guarantees
Senate Democrats have rejected the stopgap proposal unless it includes measures to reverse Republican cuts to healthcare programs and extend temporary tax breaks that help roughly 24 million Americans afford insurance through the Affordable Care Act.“We need a serious negotiation,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told NBC’s “Meet the Press.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) echoed this view on ABC’s “This Week,” saying his party wants a “bipartisan path forward” but must address the “Republican healthcare crisis that is harming everyday Americans all across the country.” Jack Gruber/USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trump Seeks Middle Ground
President Donald Trump has called a Monday meeting at the White House with congressional leaders from both parties. Speaking to Reuters, Trump said, “If they don’t make a deal, the country closes. So I get the impression they want to do something.”Republican leaders say the purpose of the meeting is to persuade Democrats to approve a short-term funding resolution, leaving healthcare subsidy negotiations for later. GREG LOVETT/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
GOP Warns Democrats Are “Playing with Fire”
Republican leaders put the onus on Democrats. “Totally up to the Democrats. The ball is in their court,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) on “Meet the Press,” adding, “They’re playing with fire and they know it.” Johnson also criticized Democrats’ demands as “outrageous,” arguing that a shutdown would hurt government workers and Americans reliant on federal services. Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images