As the U.S. government shutdown drags into its second day, a bitter standoff between Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democrat lawmakers over federal funding shows no sign of resolution or additional negotiation, as Fox News reports.

The impasse, rooted in disagreements over funding beyond fiscal year 2025, has halted government operations while both parties remain entrenched in their positions.

The fiscal year ended on Sept. 30, marking the deadline for Congress to agree on a federal budget or a temporary funding measure. Without an agreement, non-essential government functions have been suspended, impacting services and federal employees nationwide.

Partisan divide deepens

The conflict began when Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a consensus on how to fund the government past the fiscal year’s end. House Republicans, under the leadership of Johnson, put forward a continuing resolution to keep spending at current levels until Nov. 21. This measure was intended to provide additional time to negotiate a long-term budget for fiscal year 2026.

The House passed this temporary funding bill, but the vote largely split along party lines. Most Republicans supported the measure, while Democrats overwhelmingly opposed it, citing key policy disagreements.

In the Senate, the situation has grown even more contentious. Democrats have rejected the Republican proposal three times, preventing the bill from securing enough votes to bypass a filibuster. This has stalled any progress toward reopening the government.

Obamacare subsidies emerge as key sticking post

At the heart of the Democrat opposition is a demand to extend enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. These subsidies, which help lower health insurance costs for many Americans, are set to expire at the end of the year if not renewed.

Without these extensions, Democrats argue, millions could face higher premiums or lose coverage altogether. This issue has become a non-negotiable priority for the party, further widening the gap with Republicans.

On the other side, Johnson has taken a firm stance against further compromise. He insists that the bill sent to the Senate already reflects terms both sides had previously supported.

Johnson stands firm

Johnson expressed frustration over the ongoing deadlock, emphasizing that the Republican proposal contained no partisan additions. "Don't ask the Republicans what we should be doing or what we should be negotiating. I don't have anything to negotiate," he said.

"I sent them, in good faith, exactly what they voted for before," Johnson continued. He stressed that the continuing resolution was designed to be straightforward and fair to all parties.

"We did not put any Republican provisions in that, and we tried to make this very simple, in good faith, so the appropriations process of the people can continue," he added. Johnson reiterated that the bill was free of any specific Republican priorities that could be removed to sway Democratic votes.

Shutdown Blame Game Intensifies Amid Stalemate

Johnson also addressed accusations that Republicans are not engaging in dialogue with Democratic leaders. "People say, 'Why aren't you negotiating with [Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.]?' Because I quite literally have nothing to negotiate," he said.

"There's nothing I can pull out of the bill that was a Republican priority to say, 'Oh, we won't do that. Why don't you guys vote for it now?' I don't have anything," Johnson explained. He maintained that the proposal was as neutral as possible.

Finally, Johnson placed full responsibility for the shutdown on Democrats, expressing disbelief at their refusal to pass the bill. "I'm stunned that they have decided to shut the government down and hurt people. It is on them 100%," he concluded.