House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed accusations that the government shutdown is being used to deflect scrutiny of Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Johnson stated the shutdown is solely due to Democratic senators voting to keep the government closed. The speaker was responding to concerns about the release of Epstein-related documents, which could be impacted by the House not being in session. Ultimately, Johnson insisted the shutdown is unrelated to the Epstein case.
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A petition demanding the suspension or reduction of congressional salaries during the government shutdown has gained significant traction, with over 97,000 signatures. The petition argues that lawmakers should not receive pay or benefits while the government is closed, proposing a daily salary reduction. This movement arises due to the fact that while essential workers are working without pay, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries. Several members of Congress from both parties have also supported similar measures, although the likelihood of these changes succeeding is slim.
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As a government shutdown leaves over 750,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay, President Trump was observed at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. This comes amidst a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over funding issues. Critics have raised concerns that the administration may leverage the shutdown to cut back the federal bureaucracy, especially since this is not the first time Trump has engaged in leisure activities during moments of national crisis. With a total of 64 days spent golfing since his inauguration in January, it has reportedly cost taxpayers $89.6 million.
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President Trump and other Republicans have falsely claimed Democrats are responsible for the government shutdown due to their desire to provide free healthcare to undocumented immigrants. However, Democrats are focused on extending tax credits that make health insurance more affordable and reversing Medicaid cuts made in a recent bill. Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for both Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid. Experts have refuted the claim as inaccurate, emphasizing that the primary goal of Democrats is not to provide healthcare to those in the country illegally.
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Previously distancing himself from the conservative policy plan Project 2025, President Trump has now announced he will meet with Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, a key figure in the plan, to discuss which “Democrat Agencies” to cut. This shift marks a departure from his prior disavowals of the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint, which proposes significant changes to the federal government, including cuts to the federal workforce and expanding executive powers. Despite Trump’s past claims of not knowing about Project 2025, his administration has already implemented several of its proposals. Now, in the midst of a government shutdown, Trump is further aligning his actions with Project 2025’s goals, with plans to cut funding and eliminate federal employees.
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Amidst the government shutdown, Donald Trump will host a Navy celebration this weekend to honor the Navy’s 250th birthday, joined by the first lady and military officials. The event, expected to be large, comes as active-duty servicemembers are working without pay during the shutdown, with their paychecks potentially stopping on October 15th. Trump, who will receive a paycheck, has blamed Democratic leaders for trying to disrupt the celebration, while Republicans and Democrats continue to clash over funding bills and healthcare provisions. Trump has a history of military celebrations, including a recent and costly Army celebration.
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Democrats are advocating for an extension of enhanced subsidies in any stopgap spending bill to reopen the government. This is a crucial step for the party, who have historically struggled to represent working people. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, which provided subsidized premiums for those making less than 400% of the federal poverty line, made health insurance accessible. As premiums and deductibles increased, the cost of health insurance became unsustainable, prompting the author to forgo coverage due to the financial burden.
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Several national polls conducted just before or during the government shutdown reveal that Americans are more likely to blame President Trump and Republicans. The polls show significant fluidity, however, as a considerable percentage of voters remain unsure of who to hold accountable. While different polls show slightly varying results, a common theme emerges with independents heavily blaming Republicans and Democrats also holding some responsibility. The impasse arose after Congress and Trump failed to agree on funding, with Democrats seeking concessions on the Affordable Care Act and Republicans refusing to negotiate before the government reopens.
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In an effort to pressure Senate Democrats, Speaker Mike Johnson has canceled votes for the upcoming week. This move is designed to force Democrats to accept a “clean” continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown, a tactic previously employed by Johnson. The cancellation of votes is a shift from earlier plans, and comes amid ongoing disagreements over the CR, with Democrats seeking provisions for healthcare subsidies. Additionally, keeping the House out of session delays a potential vote on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a move opposed by Republican leadership.
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Speaker Johnson defended Trump’s actions, acknowledging he is “trolling the Democrats” with content intended to mock their position. Despite the lighthearted nature of using memes and social media, Johnson emphasized the serious effects of the situation on federal employees. He maintained that the party does not take pleasure in the difficult decisions being made, despite some finding the mocking content entertaining.
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John Q. Hosedrinker