State of the Shutdown: Families are Paying the Price for GOP Chaos

Understanding The Moment:

It has been a month since congressional Republicans shut down the federal government rather than work with their Democratic colleagues to stop upcoming hikes in health insurance premiums. This weekend, more than 20 million people who buy health insurance on their own will face higher health insurance costs. Because Republicans are demanding an end to health care tax credits, average premiums for ACA enrollees are rising by more than $1,000 a year — more than double what many people are currently paying. Meanwhile, over 42 million people, including millions of children, will go without food assistance in November due to Republican inaction.

This was never about a “win” for Democrats or Republicans. But, this is a loss for the American people and Republicans now own the rate hikes and price increases that Americans are feeling all over the country

These consequences stem directly from Republicans’ outright opposition to bipartisan problem-solving. Democratic officials have an opportunity to offer a clear contrast — focusing on lowering costs for working families by funding SNAP and making health care more affordable.

Topline Points:

1. Millions of Americans are struggling with skyrocketing health care costs and rising food prices.
2. While congressional Democrats have been fighting to lower essential costs for families and ensure no American goes hungry, Trump and Republicans in Congress have shut down the government rather than stop a hike in health insurance costs for millions of Americans.
   • Democrats tried to fund SNAP so parents can put food on the table for their family, but Republicans blocked it.
   • The money exists for SNAP funding, but Republicans are willing to see families go hungry instead of reaching a bipartisan solution.
3. Congressional Republicans could end the shutdown today by coming to the negotiating table and abandoning their demand to cut health care, but they have opposed every bipartisan solution.
   • They’re willing to let kids and families go hungry rather than working with Democrats to lower health care costs.
4. As the shutdown drags on, Trump and Republicans are spending money on everything except what helps struggling American families:
   1. $40 billion on a bailout of Argentina;
   2. $170 million on two private jets for Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem;
   3. $300 million to build a White House ballroom

Further Guidance for Democratic Officials:

• Democrats should clearly and consistently communicate their support of continuing SNAP to help feed struggling families during the shutdown. This week’s research found that more than 70% of Americans have heard at least some about SNAP funding expiring this weekend. It is now a top concern, along with increased health care costs. Democrats must remind Americans about their support for the program and Republicans’ opposition – such as Senate Republicans’ move to block SNAP funding during the government shutdown and the Republican Tax Law’s massive cuts to the program.
• Democrats should underscore their priorities – lowering essential costs and supporting families in need – with Republican priorities: self-enrichment and wasteful government spending that benefits the wealthy few instead of the many who are struggling. Navigator found Americans feel overwhelmingly negative about many of the GOP’s recent priorities, including Secretary Noem’s private plane purchases, Trump’s $300 million ballroom vanity project, and the administration’s $40 billion Argentine bailout (which is quite unpopular even among Republicans).
• Democrats should be clear that they will not cave on lowering health care costs. Polling from week two of the shutdown found Americans wanted the shutdown to end, but not if it meant compromising on health care. Similarly, this week’s research found 62% would have a favorable view of how Democrats handled the shutdown if they reach a deal restoring health care. However, if Democrats decide to reopen the government while failing to reach a deal, 59% would view their actions unfavorably.
• Democrats should continue to go everywhere to reach passive news consumers – those less likely to follow political coverage. Only 66% of passive news consumers have heard about the government shutdown compared to 75% of all Americans. Democrats should continue to think outside the box to reach passive news consumers. Lawmakers are leading by example, including:
  • Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) posted a video on her Instagram with former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to discuss Republican health care cuts.
  • Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) hosted a Reddit AMA on the shutdown that reached thousands of people on the platform.
  • Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) shared a Substack post about his conversations with Ohioans impacted by the shutdown.