Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
On September 30, 2025, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued a statement contending that Democrats were prepared to force a federal government shutdown. Cruz declared, “Senator Schumer and the Democrats have made it clear that they intend to shut down the federal government. Their demands include taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens and a reversal of the Republican reforms blocking handouts to able-bodied adults who refuse to work.” He added, “Americans voted for change under President Trump and a Republican Congress. We should not allow the Democrats’ efforts to succeed.”
Democrats dispute Cruz’s characterization. Party leaders have stated that they will not approve a funding measure unless it includes healthcare provisions and other priorities. According to Politico, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that subsidies under the Affordable Care Act “must be ironclad and in legislation” (Politico). A House Republican press release, however, described the Democratic plan as “a $1.5 trillion ransom note to taxpayers,” alleging it “crams in partisan policy and extraneous provisions” (House Appropriations Committee).
The Democratic counterproposal would extend government funding until October 31. It includes making ACA premium tax credits permanent, reversing Medicaid cuts, restoring funds eliminated through recent rescissions, and providing $320 million for congressional security, among other measures (Wikipedia, 2026 U.S. federal budget).
While Republicans view the plan as overreach, Democrats describe it as a substantive response to protect healthcare and social programs. As Jeffries put it, “We are not interested in temporary promises. It must be ironclad” (Washington Post).
Democrats have also signaled willingness to cooperate in limited areas. They have stated that they could support a continuing resolution if their key demands are met. Some Democrats have expressed interest in bipartisan discussions on immigration, federal spending, and entitlement programs, though they have insisted they will oppose proposals they consider harmful (ABC News). Additionally, groups such as the Problem Solvers Caucus continue to remain active as forums for cross-party collaboration (Problem Solvers Caucus).
The deadlock stems from both procedural rules and policy disagreements. Republicans, who control both chambers, passed a clean funding bill in the House that does not include policy conditions. Yet Senate approval requires 60 votes, meaning Democratic support is necessary. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged Democrats to “dial back” their demands, while Democrats argue that passing a clean bill simply delays essential debates and gives Republicans leeway to pursue unilateral cuts later (AP News; Washington Post).
Cruz’s framing highlights the partisan divide. He portrays Democratic priorities as “lavish handouts” that undermine reforms tied to work requirements. Democrats, meanwhile, argue that their $1.5 trillion proposal is essential to maintaining healthcare protections and ensuring negotiations are substantive rather than symbolic. The funding dispute has thus become a central test of whether either party is willing to compromise to keep the federal government operating.
