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Senate Faces Shutdown Threat Amid Spending Package Stalemate

12/18/2025

Center

Collins Warns Shutdown

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) warned a government shutdown could occur if a five-bill spending package fails to pass.
Conservative senators' objections to earmarks and disputes over 2026 top-line spending have slowed progress.
Democrats are frustrated after Republicans blocked an extension of healthcare subsidies that could raise premiums for 24 million Americans.
The failure to extend subsidies raises the possibility of another shutdown before the funding deadline.

Left

Johnson Opposes Subsidy Vote

Speaker Mike Johnson publicly opposed moderate Republicans' calls for a vote to extend Affordable Care subsidies set to expire soon.
His opposition followed earlier signals that a vote might occur, but he later suggested a vote could still happen.
The stance has created confusion among lawmakers, especially those in vulnerable positions.
This discord may affect negotiations as Democrats plan to leverage health care issues in the upcoming midterm elections.

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Collins Warns Shutdown

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) warned a government shutdown could occur if a five-bill spending package fails to pass.
Conservative senators' objections to earmarks and disputes over 2026 top-line spending have slowed progress.
Democrats are frustrated after Republicans blocked an extension of healthcare subsidies that could raise premiums for 24 million Americans.
The failure to extend subsidies raises the possibility of another shutdown before the funding deadline.

1 / 2