Democrats introduced a short-term funding bill to keep the government open until October 31, restoring Medicaid funds and protecting health care subsidies, directly challenging the GOP proposal as a shutdown looms.
Democratic leaders in Congress have introduced a rival funding bill as the deadline to avoid a government shutdown draws closer.
The proposal would keep the government open until October 31 while reversing some of the cuts made under the Trump administration and restoring several key programs.
The Democratic plan permanently extends subsidies under the Affordable Care Act that are set to expire at the end of the year. It also rolls back Medicaid cuts that were part of earlier Republican legislation.
Democrats Unveil Funding Bill to Protect Health Care
In addition . it restores foreign aid funding and allocates nearly 500 million dollars to public broadcasting after those funds were previously withheld.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the legislation shows clear differences between the two parties. He argued that the Republican plan maintains the status quo and fails to address health care costs and other priorities.
Schumer noted that Democrats are committed to protecting health programs and ensuring stability for American families.
The proposal also includes stronger oversight measures on how the White House manages spending.
It calls for creating an inspector general for the Office of Management and Budget to prevent funds approved by Congress from being withheld by the administration.
Security provisions are also part of the bill. Following an increase in threats against lawmakers and the recent killing of activist Charlie Kirk, the measure allocates additional funds for lawmaker protection and congressional security offices.
Republicans are backing their own short term measure to extend funding until late November. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said their plan provides more time for bipartisan negotiations on longer term appropriations.
He criticized Democrats for opposing the measure and warned that pushing for broader changes now could increase the risk of a shutdown.
While Democrats control neither chamber of Congress nor the White House, they hold significant influence in the Senate where Republican leaders need their votes to reach the 60 vote threshold.
With both sides holding firm, the next two weeks will determine whether Congress can agree on a path forward or face another government funding crisis.
