(Daily Signal)—On Tuesday night, forty-three Democrats in the Senate denied Republicans the votes necessary to avert a government shutdown.
But tellingly, at least according to one Senate Republican leader, three senators in the Democrat caucus voted with Republicans.
Democrat Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada both voted to pass the continuing resolution which would extend the spending levels of the Biden administration for seven weeks in order to buy time for the bill-by-bill, bipartisan appropriations process. They were joined by Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who caucuses with Democrats.
“The cracks are beginning to show,” Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said in a press conference after the vote.
“There is bipartisan support for keeping the government open in spite of the fact that [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer is forcing a government shutdown, regardless of the cost, regardless of the consequences to the American people.”
The continuing resolution fell short of the 60 votes needed for passage by a 55 to 45 vote, with 43 Senate Democrats opposing the legislation. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., also voted against the bill. Fifty-two Republicans voted to fund the government.
This was the second attempt to pass the continuing resolution. An earlier attempt yielded only one Democrat vote from Fetterman who has previously said that “It is always, always wrong to shut our government down.”
But Schumer, D-N.Y., interpreted the Tuesday continuing resolution vote differently.
“Now two times, Republicans have failed to get enough votes to avoid a shutdown,” he told reporters. “They’ve got to sit down and negotiate with Democrats to come to a bill that both parties can support. They didn’t do that in the past. Their bill, they call it clean, we call it totally partisan. There was no input from Democrats.”
Since the first announcement of the continuing resolution, Democrats have made hefty demands, including undoing recently passed cost-saving Medicaid reforms, hamstringing the White House’s ability to rescind certain federal funding, and extending expiring Obamacare health care premium tax credits, which were enhanced during the previous administration.
Pointing to the fact that the bill was not even written by the current bicameral Republican majority, Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., has characterized this as a misleading argument.
“Sen. Schumer says, ‘Oh, well… there’s no Democrat priorities in it.’ Well, there’s no Republican priorities in it,” Hoeven told reporters. “It’s a clean CR [continuing resolution], so, I mean, that’s a false premise right off the jump. And I hope you’re asking him, wait, how does that make any sense?”
Similarly, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., accused Democrats of prioritizing “their own trillion-dollar liberal wishlist over what’s best for the American people,” in a statement to The Daily Signal.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said that the shutdown is the result of nothing less than animus for the president.
“Make no mistake, Democrats shutting down the government has nothing to do with extending COVID-era insurance subsidies,” Tuberville told The Daily Signal in a statement. “Democrats just voted to shut down the government for one reason: Trump Derangement Syndrome. These Radical Leftists are so blinded by their hatred of President Trump that they will do anything to try to stop his agenda.”
For now, the Republican strategy will be to continue to bring the bill to the floor until Democrats finally acquiesce.
“We’re going to continue to vote on the clean CR that was sent to us from the House,” Barrasso previously told reporters before the vote.
He added that “there are not going to be votes between sundown [Wednesday] and sundown Thursday” due to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., continues to make clear he does not believe that he should have to negotiate with Democrats over a seven-week resolution.
“We need to keep the government open. We can talk about whatever else they want to talk about after that,” he said after the vote.
On the issue of Schumer’s demands for the extension of COVID-era enhanced health care premium tax credits,Thune is also not going to cede any ground at this moment.
“This program, if we did what the Democrats want to do, which is to extend it permanently, it’s a $365 billion [cost], so anything that’s going to be done is going to have to be done with significant reforms.”
Both parties were united in one thing—the claim that their party will win the narrative as the shutdown continues.
Americans “are going to keep demanding that we do something about this, and Republicans are feeling the heat,” Schumer said, projecting confidence that Americans would demand some action from Republicans to address a purported health care crisis.
“You have a good number of Senate Republicans and House Republicans, as was mentioned, when they talk to us privately, they say this is untenable,” he added.
But on the Republican side, leadership is hoping that, one by one, Democrats will come into the fold.
“We’re going to have some more votes, and we’ll see where the Democrats come down,” Thune said. “I hope we have enough to change their minds so that we can get this government open and responsive to the American people.”
Jacob Adams contributed to this article.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.
