House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) warned Monday that the current federal government shutdown, now on its 13th day, could become the longest in U.S. history. Speaker Johnson stated he will not negotiate with Democrats on their demands to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies until the government is reopened.
The core of the impasse centers on health care policy, specifically the expiring ACA subsidies that help millions of Americans purchase health insurance. Democrats are demanding the extension of these subsidies, while Republicans argue the issue can be addressed later.
“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” Johnson said at the Capitol.
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The closure has halted routine government operations, closed cultural institutions, and caused air travel disruptions. The House remains out of legislative session, with Johnson refusing to recall lawmakers. The Senate, set to return Tuesday, is stalled as Democrats hold firm on their health care position.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has drawn scrutiny for mass layoffs of federal workers and warnings of “painful” cuts from Vice President JD Vance, actions widely viewed as an attempt to reduce the scope of government. Employee unions have filed lawsuits over the firings.
President Donald Trump’s administration has ensured military personnel are paid this week by tapping into existing funds, which Speaker Johnson acknowledged removed a potential pressure point for negotiations.
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The shutdown is expected to intensify the debate over the ACA ahead of the November 1 open enrollment period, when millions of Americans could face dramatically increased insurance premiums if the subsidies expire on December 31. The longest previous shutdown, which occurred during the Trump administration over border wall funding, lasted 35 days in 2019.
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