Longest Shutdown Warning surfaces as US House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to negotiate with Democrats over healthcare demands raising fears of record government closure.
United States House Speaker Mike Johnson has issued the Longest Shutdown Warning as the ongoing budget standoff between Republicans and Democrats deepens. Johnson said he will not enter negotiations until Democrats abandon their healthcare policy demands. The current government shutdown now in its thirteenth day shows no signs of resolution. Heightening concerns that it could become the longest in American history.
President Donald Trump’s administration has been accused of using the shutdown to justify major cuts and layoffs in government agencies. A move that legal experts say may overstep executive authority. Trump openly stated his intent to reduce “Democrat programmes” if the opposition refuses to drop its demands for healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Recent polls show that voters place equal blame on both parties and Trump for the ongoing crisis.
Democrats have insisted that healthcare subsidies must be extended to protect millions of citizens. While Republicans argue that the issue can be discussed only after the government reopens. Meanwhile federal employees continue to work without pay as the shutdown disrupts essential services. Vice President JD Vance warned that more painful budget cuts could follow. Even as unions prepare legal challenges against mass layoffs announced by the Trump administration.
