United States (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The White House warned that any government shutdown would be the fault of Democrats amid ongoing congressional funding disputes, as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged bipartisan support for a “simple, clean budget extension.” The standoff over federal funding ahead of the October 1 deadline remains unresolved with Senate votes failing on competing stopgap bills.
White House Assigns Shutdown Responsibility to Democrats
As reported by Cheyanne M. Daniels of Politico on 22 September 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Biden administration is advocating to keep the government open through a simple funding extension but preemptively blamed Democrats for any potential shutdown.
Leavitt said,
“If the government is shut down, it will be the fault of the Democrats, and it will only hurt the most vulnerable in our country: Our seniors, veterans, military families.”
She added that the shutdown would also impact security for members of Congress, an issue the administration supports increasing funding for.
Recent Congressional Failures to Pass Funding Bills
The government faces a shutdown threat as both Houses of Congress struggle to agree on appropriations bills. On 19 September 2025, the Senate rejected competing bills from Republicans and Democrats aimed at preventing a shutdown past September 30.
The Republican-backed stopgap bill, passed by the GOP-controlled House, failed to secure 60 votes in the Senate due to opposition from Democrats demanding additional healthcare funding. Similarly, a Democratic bill which included expanded health care subsidies was defeated along party lines.
Partisan Divide over Healthcare and Funding Provisions
Democrats have made healthcare subsidies and Medicaid funding core negotiating points. They insist on extending the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced tax credits, which Republicans refuse to include in stopgap measures.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer appealed for negotiations with President Trump to avoid shutdown. Schumer blamed Republicans for deadlock, asserting
“It’s the Republicans who are causing the government to shut down”.
Conversely, Republicans argue that the funding bill should be a clean extension without added policy riders, accusing Democrats of using shutdown threats for leverage.
Impact and Implications of a Shutdown
If funding lapses after September 30, non-essential government shutdowns will begin, affecting millions of federal employees who could face furloughs without pay. Essential services like Social Security, Border Patrol, and the Postal Service would operate but might experience disruptions.
The shutdown could increase economic uncertainty amid other geopolitical and domestic challenges, with political blame likely to dominate media narratives.
Political Strategies and Public Messaging
The current stalemate marks a dramatic shift from earlier in the year when Democrats cooperated with Republicans to prevent shutdowns. Now, both parties are using the threat as political leverage amid post-midterm tensions.
Meanwhile, political commentators view the standoff as emblematic of deep partisan polarization and legislative dysfunction in Washington.
Karoline Leavitt’s comments echo President Donald Trump’s criticism of Democrats, accusing them of wanting to “shut down the country” following Senate votes against GOP funding proposals.
Congressional Schedule and Outlook
With Congress scheduled to recess next week for Rosh Hashanah, no votes are expected until just before the funding deadline. GOP leaders cancelled scheduled House sessions to increase pressure on Senate Democrats.
The next opportunity to pass a continuing resolution is set for late September, leaving limited time for bipartisan agreement.
Response from Stakeholders and Public
Advocates for government workers and vulnerable populations warn that a shutdown will exacerbate hardships, especially for low-income citizens dependent on federal programmes.
The White House has placed blame squarely on Democrats for any forthcoming government shutdown, framing the crisis as a failure to pass a clean funding extension. With Senate gridlock persisting and the fiscal year’s end imminent, the risk to federal government operations grows, threatening economic and societal impacts.
The coming days are crucial for bipartisan negotiation, but entrenched positions on healthcare funding and fiscal policy complicate prospects of avoiding a shutdown as October 1 approaches.
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