Speaker Johnson Warns Shutdown Could Become Longest Ever/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Speaker Mike Johnson warned the ongoing federal shutdown could become the longest in U.S. history as he refuses to negotiate with Democrats over expiring health care subsidies. The 13-day shutdown has halted key government services, and mass federal layoffs have begun under the Trump administration. With no compromise in sight, pressure is mounting ahead of November deadlines.
Government Shutdown Crisis: Quick Looks
- Speaker Mike Johnson warns of historic-length shutdown
- Refuses to negotiate until Democrats drop health care demands
- Shutdown enters day 13 with no end in sight
- Thousands of federal workers laid off under Trump administration
- Government services stalled, cultural sites and airports affected
- Health care subsidies at center of funding dispute
- Open enrollment for insurance begins Nov. 1, raising stakes
- Trump ensures military gets paid via redirected funds
- Worker unions sue over mass layoffs during shutdown
- Congress remains gridlocked; next major deadline looms in weeks
Speaker Johnson Warns Shutdown Could Become Longest Ever
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — The federal government is on track for a record-breaking shutdown, warned Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Monday, as the impasse over funding drags into its 13th day with no signs of resolution.
“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” said Johnson, standing alone at the Capitol.
The Louisiana Republican made clear that no negotiations with Democrats will proceed unless they pause their demands for extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and agree to reopen the government.
Federal Workers Laid Off, Services Frozen
While Congress remains paralyzed, the Trump administration has begun mass layoffs of federal employees, a move seen by critics as an attempt to permanently shrink government operations during the shutdown.
The layoffs — unusual in both scope and timing — have drawn lawsuits from employee unions and criticism from some Republicans. Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged the hardship, warning of “painful cuts ahead.”
Meanwhile, the shutdown has disrupted daily life across the country:
- Smithsonian museums and major landmarks closed
- Airports reporting staffing shortages and flight delays
- Federal contractors and agencies furloughed or operating under strain
What’s Behind the Stalemate?
At the heart of the standoff is a debate over ACA health care subsidies, which are set to expire for millions of Americans who rely on them to afford insurance via Obamacare exchanges.
Democrats demand the subsidies be renewed as part of any spending deal. Republicans argue the issue should be dealt with separately — and after the government is reopened.
If the subsidies aren’t extended before Dec. 31, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates insurance premiums could double for many.
The situation becomes more urgent by Nov. 1, when open enrollment begins for 2026 health plans — and federal workers on monthly pay schedules, including House staff, will miss paychecks.
A Familiar Political Battle
The shutdown revives a long-running battle over the Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010. Past attempts to repeal or block funding for the law have led to shutdowns before:
- In 2013, Republicans forced a 16-day shutdown during Obama’s presidency over ACA repeal efforts
- In 2017, Trump attempted to repeal and replace Obamacare, but the effort failed after Senator John McCain’s decisive vote
Speaker Johnson reflected on those battles, saying:
“Can we completely repeal and replace Obamacare? Many of us are skeptical about that now because the roots are so deep.”
Military Gets Paid — Others Left Waiting
Johnson thanked President Trump for ensuring the military would be paid this week, easing pressure on Republicans to negotiate.
The Pentagon said it had tapped $8 billion in unused R&D funds to cover military salaries. The move drew attention to the Trump administration’s selective use of funds — prioritizing military and administration objectives, while allowing other departments to suffer.
Departments hit hardest so far include:
- Education Department, affecting special education and after-school programs
- Health and Human Services, delaying grants and services
- Transportation, impacting airport operations
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the administration may also tap into mandatory funding from the 2025 reconciliation act to keep some programs running.
Where the Shutdown Stands Now
- The House remains adjourned, with Johnson refusing to recall lawmakers
- The Senate returns Tuesday, but repeated failed votes have left both parties deadlocked
- No current talks are underway to reopen government
- Next key deadline: November 1 — start of open enrollment and next round of missed federal paychecks
Meanwhile, the White House and Republicans remain entrenched in their positions. With Trump holding firm and Johnson demanding concessions, the risk grows that the shutdown may surpass the 35-day closure during Trump’s first term in 2019 — currently the longest in U.S. history.
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