‘Things have changed’: Schumer threatens government shutdown over healthcare

Healthcare Policy & Legislation - Democrats are signaling a tougher stance on healthcare cuts, particularly to Medicaid, as part of government funding negotiations [1] - Approximately 4 million people could lose healthcare coverage if pandemic-era subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expire, and premiums could spike for another 20 million [1] - Democrats are drawing a firm line against any healthcare cuts in the upcoming negotiations [1] - Republicans are showing new openness to negotiations regarding healthcare, potentially due to public disapproval of Medicaid cuts [1] - Pending Obamacare cuts in two weeks, Medicare cuts in a few months, and Medicaid cuts to follow are putting healthcare for tens of millions of Americans on the line [6] Political Strategy & Negotiations - Senate Democrats are expressing unity in opposing Republican-led government shutdown and demanding a stop to healthcare cuts [1][8] - The Trump administration, according to a Democratic Congressman, is not engaging in bipartisan negotiations regarding government funding [1] - The President wants a government shutdown and has directed this government shutdown [8][9] - The potential for the Supreme Court to approve presidential pocket recisions adds uncertainty to any negotiated appropriations agreements [2][3] - The "big beautiful bill" is described as taking healthcare away from millions to fund tax cuts for the top 1% [16]