Speaker Mike Johnson Says No Deal Until Democrats Drop Health Care Demands
Washington, DC — October 13, 2025:
US House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Monday that the nation could be heading toward the longest government shutdown in American history, as a deep partisan standoff over health care subsidies shows no signs of resolution.
Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Johnson — a Republican leader and key ally of President Donald Trump — declared that he would not engage in negotiations with Democrats until they abandoned policy demands connected to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), often known as “Obamacare.”
“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” Johnson said. “Democrats are holding the government hostage over healthcare handouts.”
Shutdown Enters Its 13th Day Under Trump Administration
The current shutdown, now in its 13th day, has already disrupted major government agencies, museums, and research facilities nationwide. The Smithsonian Institution, which oversees 21 museums and the National Zoo in Washington, DC, announced on Sunday that it would temporarily close all operations due to funding shortages.
The Smithsonian, which depends on the federal government for about 62 percent of its budget, joins a growing list of agencies paralyzed by the funding freeze.
The Trump administration, meanwhile, has used the shutdown to accelerate budget cuts and layoffs within multiple federal departments — a move that has sparked lawsuits from government employee unions.
President Trump said last week that funding reductions would specifically target what he called “Democrat programs” if the opposition party refused to compromise on healthcare.
Health Care at the Heart of the Stalemate
At the center of the dispute is the Democrats’ demand for an extension of ACA subsidies, which help millions of Americans afford private health insurance.
Democratic leaders argue that cutting these subsidies would leave over 15 million people without affordable coverage, particularly low-income families and seniors.
Republicans, however, insist that healthcare policy should be addressed after the government reopens — a promise Democrats have dismissed as unreliable.
Earlier this year, GOP lawmakers passed a controversial tax and spending bill that analysts say will already lead to a sharp reduction in healthcare access nationwide.
Federal Services and Workers Face Mounting Strain
Government shutdowns have become increasingly frequent in Washington politics, but this one — marked by mass layoffs and funding diversions — is among the most disruptive in recent memory.
The Department of Defense confirmed over the weekend that it would reallocate unspent research and development funds to ensure military personnel continue to receive pay, though other civilian workers face uncertainty.
Thousands of nonessential federal employees have been furloughed without pay, while others are being required to work without immediate compensation.
Economists warn that if the shutdown continues for several more weeks, it could begin to impact the broader US economy, reducing consumer spending and slowing growth.
Trump and Vance Push for “Structural Cuts”
Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s approach, describing the layoffs and spending cuts as “painful but necessary.”
“We can’t keep funding inefficiency,” Vance told reporters. “The President is willing to make tough calls that previous administrations avoided.”
Critics, however, accuse the White House of weaponizing the shutdown to weaken federal agencies and punish political opponents.
“This is not about fiscal discipline,” said Democratic Senator Patty Murray. “It’s about ideology and control. The American people are the ones paying the price.”
Public Opinion Split Across Party Lines
According to recent polling, voters blame Democrats, Republicans, and Trump himself in roughly equal measure for the ongoing crisis. While partisan loyalties remain strong, frustration is rising over the impact on everyday services — from passport processing to national park closures.
Political analysts warn that if the shutdown extends past 30 days, it could surpass the record set in 2018–2019, when a budget standoff during Trump’s first term shut down the government for 35 days.
“This standoff has the potential to define the next election,” said Dr. Laura Jennings, a political analyst at Georgetown University. “Both parties are digging in, and compromise seems further away than ever.”
What Happens Next?
Congressional leaders have yet to announce a new round of talks, and both sides appear entrenched in their positions.
Democrats insist any resolution must include healthcare protections for millions of Americans, while Republicans remain focused on spending cuts and deregulation.
If no agreement is reached, experts say the shutdown could extend well into November 2025, affecting not only federal workers but also state-funded programs and international contracts tied to federal agencies.
For now, the stalemate underscores the deep divisions within Washington — and the growing uncertainty facing the American people.
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