Trump and Democrats Battle Over Obamacare Funding as Government Shutdown Nears

President Donald Trump and Republican leaders say there is one clear way to stop a government shutdown on Tuesday night. They say Senator Chuck Schumer must agree to their plan. Without Schumer and other Democrats, Republicans cannot pass a funding bill. Time is running out. The deadline is very near.

On Monday, Trump will meet Schumer. He will also meet House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries at the White House. It may be the last chance to avoid a shutdown. Yet both sides seem unwilling to give in. The GOP still needs key Democratic votes to pass any bill.

Sen. John Fetterman talks with members of the media on Monday. Source

Republicans want a short funding bill. The bill does not include Obamacare tax credits. Speaker Mike Johnson said Schumer brought many political demands. He warned Schumer might try to shut the government. Senator John Thune said the choice is up to the Democrats.

Democrats say they will not agree unless the bill includes money to make health care cheaper. They want billions of dollars to keep Obamacare help. This helps lower insurance premiums for many people. Jeffries said, “Cancel the cuts, lower the costs, save health care.” Schumer and Jeffries issued a joint statement. They said they want to avoid a shutdown and fix the Republican health care problem.

This will be the first time Schumer speaks with Trump since Trump took office again on Jan. 20. It will also be the first in-person meeting between Trump and Jeffries. The full Senate will return Monday. The chamber will have one more chance to vote. GOP leaders plan another vote before Oct. 1. Many Democrats are expected to block the GOP plan.

Republicans argue the Obamacare help does not expire until the end of the year. Democrats say it must be fixed before open enrollment starts on Nov. 1. Thune said they can talk about the subsidies later if the government stays open.

The fight has grown for months. Democrats say Republicans cut Medicaid. They also say the GOP used federal power for political purposes. They point to actions against former FBI director James Comey. Democrats say they will not back a short funding bill without real health care help.

The White House shows little interest in big deals. The White House says it will press Democrats hard. It may cut agency payrolls or jobs if needed. If no deal is reached, the government could shut down within hours.Read original article: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/29/politics/government-shutdown-senate-trump