President Donald Trump expressed indifference on Monday night to the potential backlash from Americans if the federal government shuts down this week. He claimed that “smart people” comprehend the situation, while characterizing Democrats as “deranged”.
The administration hinted earlier on Monday that it might entertain the proposal if Democrats initially assented to a stopgap spending bill. However, by evening, Trump dismissed any concessions related to health coverage for individuals residing unlawfully in the country, reports Politico.
The President accused Democrats of wanting to “ruin American healthcare by handing it over to millions of illegal aliens”. This statement was made to Politico on Monday, shortly after Trump and congressional leaders convened at the White House in a last-minute effort to prevent a shutdown. The meeting ended without any resolution, leaving both parties preparing for a potential funding gap as the fiscal year concludes at midnight on Tuesday.
The crux of the disagreement lies in the extension of soon-to-expire health insurance subsidies, a demand made by the Democrats. Republicans, on the other hand, are advocating for a “clean” continuing resolution that would merely extend existing spending without introducing new policy conditions. They argue that substantial discussions on healthcare, taxes, and social programs should be addressed separately.
Democrats, however, insist that any short-term funding bill include extensions of Affordable Care Act subsidies, protections against Medicaid cuts, and other healthcare provisions. The evidence suggests a significant divide, with Democrats exiting Monday’s White House meeting steadfast in their refusal to support a funding bill without conditions. Republicans, in response, accuse Democrats of using unrelated demands to hold agencies “hostage”.
In July, a comprehensive GOP-backed domestic policy law was signed by Trump, strengthening rules that prevent noncitizens from accessing federal benefits. Currently, unauthorized immigrants are ineligible to purchase insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
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Reports from Trump’s administration on Monday started to outline which federal services would be halted if a shutdown commences. Notably, the Department of Health and Human Services is expected to furlough 41% of its employees. Officials have stated that this potential shutdown would be unlike previous ones, citing the possibility of mass federal staff layoffs and the chance to permanently reduce government size.
Guidance from the Office of Personnel Management dictates that during a shutdown, training and onboarding of new federal employees are prohibited, but employees handling dismissals are to continue their work. Established rules would be adjusted to allow furloughed staff to use government-issued computers to check for layoff notices by email.