(WTAQ-WLUK) — We are now less than one week away from a potential government shutdown, with federal funding running out Tuesday.
It comes as negotiations between Republicans and Democrats are at a standstill — and neither side is showing signs of budging.
The GOP is in control of the Senate, House of Representatives and presidency, but Democrats are trying to have their demands met. If a deal is not reached by 12 a.m. Oct. 1, the federal government will shut down.
At the center of the debate is an extension of funding for the nation’s health care law.
“It’s our biggest moment of power right now in the Trump administration, probably for the balance of the year. And we want to say, ‘We’ll be with you to keep the government open, but you’ve got to extend these Affordable Care Act tax credits,'” Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin said.
Baldwin worries about the impact this loss of funding would have on the 300,000 Wisconsinites utilizing the nation’s health insurance system.
If premium tax credits are not extended, costs could rise by 75%, and many people will be left without health care.
“There’s going to be havoc in the market. Not just the Affordable Care Act marketplace, but throughout the country, the employer-sponsored health market, etc.,” Baldwin said.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he decided there would be no meeting Thursday with Congressional leaders because it wouldn’t be productive.
Despite a halt in talks, Congressman Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-8th District, says he believes a compromise will be met on health care.
“That shouldn’t cause a shutdown. Just because we’re talking on one or two individual issues on the side doesn’t mean we shut down the whole government. It never has been in the past,” Grothman said.
Other demands Democrats are making include reversing the One Big Beautiful Bill’s Medicaid cuts, which more than 71 million Americans rely on. Republicans called that a “non-starter.”
Democrats also want to restore PBS funding, as that money was initially eliminated in the rescissions package. Now, both sides are blaming each other.
“By refusing to even sit down with Democrats, Donald Trump is causing the shutdown. This is a Trump shutdown,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said.
Republicans want to extend federal funding through Nov. 21 with a continuing resolution. Grothman argues that should be automatic and said he’s disappointed in Schumer.
“I think his problem is a political problem. I think there are a lot of Democrats who really don’t like President Trump and they don’t think he should be working with President Trump,” Grothman said.
If the government shuts down, millions of federal workers would not receive a paycheck, and many would still have to report to work. This would put a strain on airports, Social Security would be distributed but slowed down and National parks would close. Those federal workers do eventually get paid back pay for missed wages once the shutdown ends.
It’s unclear when negotiation talks will continue. At least seven Senate Democrats and all Republicans need to agree for a deal to pass.
Comments