Shutdown talk heats up as Democrats insist on stopping health care cuts
September 15, 2025
A deadline looming, Congress is charging toward a federal government shutdown. Republicans are brushing back Democratic demands to save health care funding from cutbacks. But Democrats are flexing a newfound willingness to play hardball. Republican leaders are ready to call the Democrats’ bluff, possibly as soon as this week. A test vote is being planned for a temporary funding bill that would keep government funding flowing through mid-November. House Speaker Mike Johnson said it would also address adding funds to boost security for lawmakers in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline when federal funds expire.
