The government shutdown is approaching its second week with no clear path to resolution, as key Republican and Democratic senators voiced continued disagreement over the restoration of Obama-era healthcare subsidies.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) stated on NBC News’s Meet the Press on Sunday that he would vote to reopen the government immediately but would not be swayed by the shutdown to accept the extension of the subsidies.
“I am not going to vote to extend these subsidies,” Graham said, challenging Democrats to keep the government closed if they wish, as it would not change his stance on healthcare. Graham questioned the necessity of the subsidies, stating, “If the (Obama’s) Affordable Care Act is so affordable, why, every time I turn around, are we spending $350 billion to keep it afloat?” RELATED: South Carolina Sen. Graham Shreds ‘Weaponization’ Claims In James, Comey Indictments
Conversely, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), also appearing on Meet the Press, criticized Republicans for refusing to negotiate, warning that “so many people – their healthcare is running towards a cliff.” Kelly stressed the need for a “real negotiation” and a “fix” for the American people.
The impasse comes as Vice President JD Vance warned that cuts to the federal workforce would deepen as the shutdown continues. Vance told Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures that the longer the shutdown lasts, “the more significant they’re going to be,” noting that more than 4,000 federal workers have already been identified for job terminations.
Despite multiple votes on stopgap funding measures, the Senate has failed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed for passage.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) weighed in on Monday, calling the demand for a swift resolution to the healthcare subsidies issue “impossible and inappropriate,” suggesting the issue was chosen by Democrats for political posturing.
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