Story perspectives

Government Shutdown Looms as Congress Struggles for Funding Agreement

12/27/2025

Center

Congress Faces Shutdown

A January 30, 2026 deadline creates a looming government shutdown, prompting Congress to seek a funding agreement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) facilitated a vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, but the measure failed.
Lawmakers are hopeful about passing five appropriations bills in January 2026 to prevent another shutdown.
The shutdown affected over a million federal workers and caused economic strain in Maryland and Virginia.

Right

Democrats Gain Momentum

A Third Way poll shows voter confidence on economic management is evenly split at 38% for Democrats and Republicans.
This shift follows a period when Republicans held an advantage, while Democrats gained a slight edge on inflation and a stronger lead on cost of living.
Democrats achieved gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia.
Analysts say Democrats must prioritize affordability to win the 2026 midterms.

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Congress Faces Shutdown

A January 30, 2026 deadline creates a looming government shutdown, prompting Congress to seek a funding agreement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) facilitated a vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, but the measure failed.
Lawmakers are hopeful about passing five appropriations bills in January 2026 to prevent another shutdown.
The shutdown affected over a million federal workers and caused economic strain in Maryland and Virginia.

1 / 2