Congressional Democrats are steering the government toward a shutdown after blocking a short-term spending bill that would have extended current funding levels originally set under Joe Biden. Despite the measure’s bipartisan nature, Democratic leaders appear unwilling to accept a clean continuing resolution (CR), choosing instead to demand policy concessions with little chance of success.
The House passed the CR on September 19 to keep the government funded through November 21. That bill, which maintained Biden-era spending levels, was rejected in the Senate just hours later. Only Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) crossed party lines to support it. Republicans Rand Paul (KY) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) opposed.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) intends to bring the bill back up for a vote Tuesday, offering Democrats another opportunity to prevent a shutdown. But with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) resisting, chances remain slim.
Democrats are pressing to use the short-term bill to extend Obamacare subsidies—set to expire in late 2025—and undo provisions of President Trump’s Medicaid reforms, including restrictions on illegal aliens receiving benefits. Republicans argue such major changes require full debate and do not belong in a temporary measure.
If the shutdown goes forward, it will give the Trump White House expanded authority to cut spending across the executive branch. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought has already signaled his willingness to implement permanent reductions in force, targeting federal programs long favored by Democrats.
Shutting down the government also risks undermining bipartisan negotiations already underway on a longer-term deal. By rejecting the CR, Democrats may end up stuck with extended Biden-era spending levels and further rescissions by OMB through September 2026.
Facing pressure from a radical base—including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has hinted at challenging Schumer—Democratic leaders appear to be betting on short-term political cover at the expense of long-term influence.
