The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended, but Congress may be heading right back into another one.
As funding for key federal agencies expires on January 30, tensions are already rising in Washington. Democrats, still angry that the bipartisan deal to reopen the government after 43 days left ObamaCare subsidies untouched, say they’re prepared to hold the line next time, even if it means another shutdown.
“We have to,” said Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Calif.). “If we’re not helping people with their health care, millions could lose coverage or face skyrocketing costs.”
The subsidies, created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expanded during the pandemic, are set to expire in early 2026. Without action, an estimated 20 million Americans could see steep premium hikes and Democrats argue the coming budget deadline is their best chance to pressure Republicans into extending them.
House liberals like Vargas and Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) insist the fight isn’t over. “You’re talking about 24 million Americans at risk of their premiums doubling or tripling,” Chu said. “This is essential to their future.”
Republicans, meanwhile, are signaling they expect another bruising standoff. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the House Freedom Caucus, acknowledged that another closure is possible and is pushing for automatic short-term funding to prevent full shutdowns.
Inside the GOP, moderates are growing anxious. Lawmakers like Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) are urging leadership to extend the ACA tax credits to avoid political fallout. Fitzpatrick warned party leaders in a letter to the Senate, “Time is running short. Our willingness to cooperate has no limits.”
But not everyone is optimistic. Senior Democrats such as Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) doubt Republican leaders will act in time. “When we come to Jan. 30, we’ll see what progress has been made,” she said. “Do I trust any of them? Hell no.”
With both sides digging in, another shutdown may not just be possible it may be inevitable.