Senate Democrats block House continuing resolution federal government enters longest shutdown

At 12:01 a.m. EDT, the federal government shuts down after Senate Democrats block a House Republican continuing resolution that lacked an extension of expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire December 31, 2025. Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, vote down the Republican measure, arguing that 20 million Americans would lose health insurance or face premium increases without the subsidy extension. The continuing resolution is blocked 14 times over the following 43 days. Democratic negotiators seek to protect enhanced ACA subsidies that had been temporarily expanded under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Republicans insist on passing a clean continuing resolution at current funding levels, pushing healthcare negotiations to later. The shutdown begins as the nation heads toward critical healthcare enrollment deadlines and the holiday season.