House Speaker Mike Johnson has firmly stated that he will not negotiate with Democrats to end the federal government shutdown, now in its 14th day, until they abandon their demands related to expiring health care subsidies. This stance comes as the Senate again rejected a Republican funding bill, deepening the political stalemate.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 49-45 against advancing a Republican proposal to fund the government through November 21, falling short of the 60 votes required. This was the eighth such failed vote, with no change in positions from previous attempts, highlighting the entrenched divisions. The shutdown, which began two weeks ago, has halted routine government operations, closed museums, and disrupted airports, affecting millions of Americans.
Johnson, speaking to reporters, asserted that he has “nothing to negotiate” with Senate Democrats, accusing them of holding the government hostage for political gain. He defended the Trump administration’s decision to use unspent Pentagon funds to ensure military personnel receive their paychecks, challenging Democrats to contest the move in court if they disagree. Johnson blamed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for the impasse, claiming Schumer is blocking a “clean” funding bill to appease progressive elements in his party.
The core issue driving the shutdown is the expiration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which help reduce health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. Democrats insist these subsidies must be extended before agreeing to reopen the government, while Republicans argue that the matter can be addressed separately later. If the subsidies lapse, premiums are expected to double for many, with open enrollment set to begin on November 1.
Johnson has kept the House in recess and canceled scheduled votes, a strategy that has drawn praise from conservative groups like the House Freedom Caucus but criticism from some Republicans who favor negotiation. The speaker emphasized that the Republican proposal contains no partisan priorities and that Democrats must simply agree to reopen the government without conditions. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has begun laying off federal workers, with over 4,000 dismissals reported, sparking lawsuits from employee unions.
The shutdown’s impacts are widening, with federal workers facing furloughs or layoffs, and essential services experiencing disruptions. The Pentagon’s move to pay troops using reallocated funds has raised legal questions, but Johnson expressed gratitude for President Trump’s intervention. Economic uncertainty is growing as the closure persists, with analysts warning of potential long-term effects if it continues.
With no resolution in sight, Johnson predicted this shutdown could become the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 35-day record from 2019. Both sides remain dug in, and the next potential deadline is November 1, when health insurance open enrollment begins and monthly paychecks for government workers are at risk. The stalemate reflects deep ideological divides over health care policy, with little indication of compromise in the near future.