State of the Shutdown: Updates We’ve Been Watching
CR Overview
The threat of a government shutdown continues to loom over Washington after a week of dueling proposals. The Republican stopgap was rejected by Democrats on a 48-44 vote after passing the House on Friday morning. Sen. Fetterman (PA) was the only Democrat to vote for the GOP proposal, while Sen. Murkowski (AK) and Sen. Paul (KY) voted against it. The Democratic counterproposal was also rejected in a 47-45 vote. These outcomes were expected, The GOP bill does not extend the ACA subsidies slated to expire Dec. 31, and Democratic leaders vowed to oppose any bill that doesn’t extend them.
Here are the CR headlines we’ve been tracking this week:
Food Aid for WIC
The House GOP proposal included support and livestock market tracking extensions. The measure funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at levels “necessary to maintain participation” through Nov. 21. Earlier this month, the administration requested $8.2 billion for WIC through January 2026 to continue supporting low-income pregnant women and young mothers.
The bill also extends federal livestock price reporting under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999, set to expire at the end of September. USDA grain industry oversight would get extended for the duration of the continuing resolution. The House voted to reauthorize the Federal Grain Inspection Service on Sept. 8, which now awaits action in the Senate ahead of a Sept. 30 expiration.
ACA Tax Credits
Democrats pushed to permanently extend pandemic-era ACA premium tax credits, which help cover premiums for health insurance purchased on a health exchange. The enhancement, set to expire Dec. 31, temporarily reduced the required share of contributions across multiple income levels and eliminated the household income cap for eligibility for the credit.
Without action, the income cap of 400% of the federal poverty level and the original, higher premium percentages under the ACA would be reinstated next year.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that making the extension permanent would increase the number of insured by 3.8 million, but also increase the federal deficit by about $350 billion over a decade.
Law Maker Security
Following the murder of Charlie Kirk last week, calls for increased lawmaker security were seen across the aisle. The Democrats’ initial proposal also included nearly $200 million to increase protection for members of Congress. The GOP stopgap included $30 million for lawmaker security with some calling for a standalone vote on additional funding in October.
What to Watch
Senate leaders have not ruled out returning early from their upcoming week-long recess, but as of now are left with only two working days before a potential shutdown. House GOP leaders canceled their September 29-30 votes but retained the right to call members back into session if the Senate has yet to pass a bill.