US political leaders remain at an impasse as the partial government shutdown enters its fifth day, with no clear resolution in sight. The key sticking point is healthcare policy, where Democrats are pushing to protect subsidies for low-income individuals and reverse cuts to Medicaid, while Republicans are accused of negotiating in bad faith.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans for their stance, stating they are “losing the court of public opinion.” Conversely, House Majority Leader Mike Johnson accused Democrats of seeking political cover and not being “serious” about finding a solution. The Senate is expected to reconvene to vote on funding resolutions, while House Democrats will also meet to discuss the escalating situation.
The disagreement over healthcare funding comes as tax credit subsidies for health insurance are set to expire at the end of the year. Johnson argued that a proposed stopgap measure from Democrats would inflate spending, while also suggesting that current policies improperly benefit “illegal aliens and able-bodied young men without dependents.” BBC Verify has fact-checked these claims, stating that undocumented immigrants are not eligible for the specific schemes Democrats are advocating for.
Jeffries countered that failing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits would lead to significantly higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs for millions of American taxpayers. He also criticized President Trump’s rhetoric and handling of the shutdown, emphasizing the need for “serious leadership.” With no bipartisan agreement yet reached, the shutdown’s impact is beginning to be felt, with institutions like the National Gallery of Art forced to close.
Recent polling indicates that the public places blame on both parties for the shutdown, with many Americans concerned about its effect on the economy. The data suggests that while a slight majority of those polled believe Democrats are more at fault, a significant portion also blames Republicans and Trump, while others hold both parties equally responsible.