VP Bets on Moderate Democrats to End Impasse, Blasts Party for ‘Hostage-Taking’ Over Health Care Demands
The federal government shutdown, triggered by a contentious fight over extending tax credits in the Affordable Care Act and a dispute over taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, may be short-lived, according to Vice President J.D. Vance.
Vance offered a “pure guess” that the shutdown would not last long, citing signs that “moderate Democrats are cracking a little bit.”
The shutdown was prompted after all but three Democrats sided with their party’s demands to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, while Republicans voted to keep the government open. The Vice President argued that congressional Democrats are starting to see the “fundamental illogic” of their position.
The core of the policy dispute centers on the extension of tax credits and a return to two specific Biden-era programs that Republicans claim would effectively provide taxpayer-funded emergency and other health care benefits to illegal immigrants—a claim Democrats deny.
Vance criticized the opposition party’s strategy, claiming Democrats have abandoned their long-held stance that policy disagreements should not lead to a shutdown.
“For the first time… they are now saying that unless we get every single policy item that we demand, we’re gonna shut down the people’s government. They’re trying to take a hostage, and we’re not gonna let them,” Vance asserted.
However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a joint statement, blaming President Donald Trump for the impasse and accusing him of refusing to negotiate in good faith.
The Vice President singled out Senator Schumer, suggesting he is “terrified” of a potential primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, leading him to adhere to the far-left wing of his party.
The three Democratic-caucusing lawmakers who broke ranks and voted with Republicans to keep the government open were Democratic Sens. John Fetterman (PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), and Independent Sen. Angus King (ME).
Republican Sen. Rand Paul (KY) joined Democrats in opposing the stopgap bill, demanding deeper spending cuts.
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